The 42-year-old man responsible for injuring nine people after shooting at a children’s splash pad in Michigan has been identified as Michael Nash. Nash was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Saturday after police traced the firearm used in the shooting back to his home in Shelby Township. The Oakland County Sheriff, Mike Bouchard, described Nash as a “loner” who was facing mental health challenges.
Authorities discovered a semi-automatic rifle on the kitchen table of Nash’s home, leading them to believe that there may have been additional plans for violence. Bouchard mentioned during a press conference that they will be looking for any evidence or manifesto that could shed light on Nash’s motives. Despite Nash’s mental health struggles, he had no prior criminal history.
Neighbors in the mobile home community where Nash lived described him as someone who kept to himself and always kept his blinds shut. One neighbor, Carol, expressed her unease around Nash, mentioning that there was something off about his demeanor. Another neighbor, Michelle Wheeler, shared that some residents believed Nash may have had intentions to harm them as well.
As the investigation unfolds, a GoFundMe page has identified two of the victims as Micayla and Eric Coughlin, who were shot while trying to protect their young daughters from the gunfire. Micayla and Eric sustained multiple gunshot wounds but managed to shield their children from harm. The heroic actions of the couple saved their children from injury.
Police recovered 28 bullet casings at the scene of the shooting and determined that there was no known connection between Nash and the victims. Among the injured were an 8-year-old boy in critical condition and a 4-year-old in stable condition.
The tragic incident at the Michigan splash pad has left a community in shock and mourning. The swift actions of law enforcement and first responders helped contain the situation, preventing further harm. As details continue to emerge, authorities are focused on understanding the motivations behind Nash’s violent actions and providing support to the victims and their families.