Michael William Nash, aged 42 (1981 – June 15, 2024), has been identified by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office as the perpetrator behind the tragic shooting at Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Nash unleashed terror by firing 28 rounds at families enjoying the popular splash pad, leaving nine individuals injured, including young children.
Among the wounded was an eight-year-old boy critically struck in the head, fighting for his life. A four-year-old boy suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh but was reported as stable. A 39-year-old woman sustained injuries to her abdomen and leg and was also in critical condition.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard disclosed that Nash was later found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a residence in Shelby Township.
The community remains shocked and devastated by the senseless violence that marred what should have been a joyous summer outing for families. The incident has prompted widespread grief and calls for action on gun violence prevention measures.
Michael William Nash killed himself
According to Freep, Michael William Nash, a resident of Shelby Township, Michigan, faced significant mental health challenges, as revealed by authorities investigating his recent actions. Living with his mother and lacking any criminal record, Nash was known to struggle with mental health issues.
Following a seemingly random and bizarre shooting incident, Nash barricaded himself within a residence in Shelby Township. Law enforcement’s attempts to establish communication with him proved futile, leading them to employ drones to survey the property.
Inside the barricaded home, authorities discovered a semi-automatic rifle positioned on the kitchen table. This alarming find suggested Nash may have harbored intentions for additional violence, escalating concerns among law enforcement.
Sheriff Michael Bouchard described the shooting as both “very random” and “bizarre,” emphasizing Nash’s lack of any discernible connection to his victims.
The investigation into the tragic events continues as authorities seek to understand the sequence of events leading to Nash’s self-inflicted gunshot wound, which claimed his life.
Nine Injured in Shooting at Splash Pad
A peaceful afternoon turned into a nightmare at Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills, Michigan, when a tragic shooting left nine victims, including children and adults, wounded and a community in shock.
Among those affected, a 78-year-old man sustained injuries to his abdomen, while an 8-year-old boy fought for his life with a critical head wound.
A 4-year-old boy remained stable with a thigh injury, and a 39-year-old woman was in critical condition after being shot in the abdomen and leg. Heartbreakingly, they were all members of the same family.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and horror as families scattered from the sudden gunfire, leaving behind scenes of chaos with blood-stained ice cream cones and abandoned flip-flops.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard expressed profound sorrow, describing the incident as a devastating blow to the community, already grappling with recent tragedies.
Emergency response efforts centered around the splash pad, nestled between a T-Mobile store and Mozzarella’s pizzeria on Auburn Road. Streets in the vicinity were cordoned off as law enforcement and medical teams rushed to aid the victims.
Michigan Congressman John James, who was present nearby, swiftly responded to provide support to the affected families and commend the quick actions of first responders. He highlighted the resilience of the community in the face of such senseless violence.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer shared her grief over the incident, pledging state resources to aid in the recovery. She underscored the importance of unity and vigilance in preventing future tragedies.