Thursday marked the third anniversary of the mass shooting in the city’s historic Oregon District that claimed the lives of Megan Betts, 22; Monica Brickhouse, 39; Nicholas Cumer, 25; Derrick Fudge, 57; Thomas McNichols, 25; Lois Oglesby, 27; Saeed Saleh, 39; Logan Turner, 30; and Beatrice Warren-Curtis, 36.
More than 100 people attended the gathering near Blind Bob’s that featured music, speakers, a dove release and a moment of silence lasting nine minutes.
On display was a painting featuring all nine victims and nine wreaths, each with a victim’s name.
Members of the World House Choir in Yellow Springs, which sings about justice and peace, sang a song with the refrain “never give up.”
Oregon District survivor Dion Green teared up as he spoke about his father, 57-year-old Derrick Fudge, of Springfield. Green was with his father the night of the mass shooting and said he watched him die.
In memory of his father, Green started the FUDGE Foundation. He hosts community events, including Thursday’s remembrance, works to end gun violence and travels to communities in the aftermath of mass shootings to support those dealing with trauma.
Other speakers included Eugene Yates, a former Clark County Sheriff’s deputy and the father of Matthew Yates, the 41-year-old Clark County deputy shot and killed July 24 in the line of duty.
About the Author
