13-Year-Old Michigan Shooting Survivor Called 911 Despite Being Seriously Injured

LAKE TOWNSHIP, Michigan — A 13-year-old girl is being praised for her courage after surviving a deadly shooting spree in northern Michigan and managing to call 911 for help despite suffering multiple gunshot wounds.

The girl, identified by family as Bella, was the only known survivor of the attack. Her emergency call also helped investigators identify the suspected gunman and begin a wider search for him.

Girl Made Emergency Call

According to Michigan State Police and the girl’s family, Bella called 911 after she was injured during the August 14 attack.

Despite her condition, she was able to communicate with emergency dispatchers and provide information about what had happened.

Her call alerted authorities to the situation and helped officers respond to the residence in Lake Township, where several victims were found.

Family members have described Bella’s actions as remarkably brave, particularly given the circumstances she had just experienced.

Her Mother and Brother Were Among the Victims

Bella’s mother, Amanda Everitt, 40, and her 16-year-old brother, Eric Everitt, were among those killed in the shooting.

Three other adults were also killed at separate locations in Missaukee County.

The suspected gunman, 39-year-old Chad Hickman, was later found dead in a wooded area alongside another female victim.

Authorities have not yet confirmed exactly how Hickman died, and the investigation remains active.

Suspect Identified After 911 Call

Investigators say Bella was able to identify Hickman as the person responsible for the attack.

Her information helped authorities launch a manhunt across the rural area as police searched for the suspect.

Multiple agencies became involved in the search, including Michigan State Police units, aviation teams and canine teams.

Hickman’s vehicle was eventually located, leading investigators toward the area where his body and another victim were later discovered.

Bella Remains in the Hospital

Bella was transported to a hospital in Grand Rapids following the shooting.

She was initially described as being in critical condition but was later reported to be stable.

Her family has asked for privacy as she continues recovering from both her physical injuries and the emotional impact of losing her mother and brother.

A fundraising effort has also been established to help Bella and her family with medical and other expenses as she begins the long recovery process.

Investigation Into the Motive Continues

Investigators have not announced a confirmed motive for the shooting.

Authorities are examining Hickman’s background and his possible relationships with the victims as they work to understand what led to the violence.

Hickman had a previous criminal record, including a misdemeanor child-abuse conviction, but investigators have not said that his earlier history directly explains the latest incident.

Officials have also not confirmed whether all of the victims knew the suspect.

Community Rallies Around Survivor

The tragedy has shaken the small Michigan community, where residents have gathered to support the victims’ families.

For Bella’s relatives, however, the focus is now on her recovery.

Her decision to call 911 while seriously injured has been widely praised by family members and authorities, who say the call played an important role in helping police understand what had happened.

As the investigation continues, Bella remains a survivor of a devastating attack that claimed the lives of five other people.

Her family is now hoping that she can recover and eventually begin rebuilding her life after the tragedy.