Shane Miller’s Heroic Final Moments in Kentucky Mass Shooting Before Killed

Early Saturday morning, tragedy struck unfolded at a Kentucky party where the Parrett family was celebrating 21-year-old Brendon Parrett’s birthday.

The celebration turned into a nightmare as a deadly mass shooting claimed four lives, including that of 20-year-old Shane Miller.

“There are no words for the pain of his loss or how much he will be missed,” Miller’s aunt, Sheryll Beatty told Newsweek.

The deadly gunfire which unfolded around 2:50 a.m. also claimed the lives of Delaney Eary, 19, Hayden Rybicki, 20, and homeowner Melissa Parrett, 44. First responders arrived to find shots still being fired.

The suspect, identified by police as Chase Garvey, 21, was known by the partygoers, but not invited.

Shortly after the shooting he fled the scene, turned the gun on himself and died in the hospital.

Three injured victims are currently being treated at UC Medical Center and are in stable condition. Among them are Chloe Parrett, who was shot in the chest, and her friend Claire Smith, who Miller died protecting.

Dave Banks, the uncle of Miller, told Newsweek that his nephew “threw himself over Claire [partygoer] to protect her” where he was shot in the process.

This brave act cost him his life. Banks emotionally recounted that just a day before the mass shooting, Miller had expressed his desire to help people and make a difference by becoming a police officer.

Beatty described her nephew as a charismatic and positive individual.

“When people met him, they would want to continue to be a friend of his,” she said. “He was always smiling with a kind word for everyone.”

She also said that he enjoyed being outdoors, loved fishing, and recently bought two kayaks – one for him and one for his cousin, Sergio.

Miller attended Randall K. Cooper High School and made not only long-lasting friendships, but a relationship with girlfriend, Alaina Maci.

Maci took to Instagram with a heartfelt message.

“Thank you for teaching me how to love, to be kind, patient, gentle most would say a living angel,” she said. “I’m so proud of you, thank you for showing me unconditional love always, having my back through anything, picking me up at my lowest and teaching me true happiness.”

Chloe’s mother, Melissa Parrett, was also fatally shot while protecting her daughter.

The community remains in shock as they work through the aftermath of the incident.

“It is very emotional,” Police Chief Jeff Mallery said. “My emotions are for the victims, their families, the officers that responded, everyone that was touched by this situation.”

In response to the tragedy, the community is coming together to support those affected through prayer services, gatherings, various fundraisers, and peer support groups.

“We always prepare for these events – active shooters and mass casualties – this is the only one that’s actually taken place in Florence,” Police Captain Greg Rehkamp said. “Hopefully we’ll never see another one again.”

Miller’s bravery and selflessness in his final moments serve as a poignant reminder of his desire to protect and help others, a legacy that will not be forgotten by those who knew and loved him.

The family started a GoFundMe for Miller’s Funeral.

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