The Kilgore, Texas, community is reeling after a devastating act of violence claimed the lives of 16-year-old Hailey Blake and her father, Shawn Blake. Authorities confirmed that both victims were fatally shot on Monday evening in Hugh Camp Memorial Park, a location usually known for peace and family gatherings but now marked by tragedy.
The Incident
According to officials, emergency responders were dispatched to the park following reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they found Hailey and Shawn suffering from critical injuries. Despite the best efforts of first responders and medical teams who worked tirelessly to save their lives, both succumbed to their wounds at the scene.
The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office later identified the suspect as Christopher Wayne Hicks Jr., believed to have been Hailey’s boyfriend. Authorities say Hicks was located and taken into custody after being treated for what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He remains under investigation as detectives work to piece together the events that led to the shooting.
Remembering Hailey and Shawn
The deaths of Hailey and Shawn have left their family, friends, and the wider community in shock.
Hailey, a sophomore at Sabine High School, was described by classmates and teachers as bright, kindhearted, and full of potential. Known for her warm personality, Hailey was someone who made friends easily and left a positive mark wherever she went. Her life, filled with dreams of the future, has been tragically cut short, leaving a void in the halls of her school and in the hearts of those who knew her.
Her father, Shawn Blake, is remembered as a loving and dedicated parent who placed his children at the center of his life. Friends recall his unwavering devotion to his family and his role as a steady presence of support and encouragement. His sudden and tragic loss is being mourned not only by relatives but also by neighbors and community members who knew him as a kind, hardworking man who deeply loved his daughter.
Community Response
The violent deaths of Hailey and Shawn have sent ripples of grief through Kilgore and surrounding areas. Sabine Independent School District officials have extended their condolences and announced that grief counselors will be available to students and staff as the school community processes the devastating loss of one of their own.
Candlelight vigils and prayer gatherings are already being planned as friends, classmates, and neighbors seek ways to honor Hailey and Shawn’s lives. Social media has filled with tributes, memories, and words of comfort, with many expressing disbelief that such a tragedy could unfold so close to home.
The Investigation
Law enforcement continues to investigate the case, working to establish the motive and timeline of events. While the arrest of Hicks provides some clarity, questions remain about what led to the shooting and whether warning signs were overlooked. Authorities have stated there is no ongoing threat to the public, but the tragedy has renewed discussions around domestic violence, teen relationships, and gun safety.
A Family and Community in Mourning
The loss of Hailey and Shawn Blake is being felt on multiple levels—by classmates and teachers, friends and coworkers, and most deeply by their surviving family members. As loved ones mourn the unimaginable, they are also calling on the community to remember Hailey and Shawn for the joy they brought, the love they gave, and the lives they lived.
In the days ahead, funeral arrangements and memorial plans will be announced, giving the community an opportunity to gather, grieve, and celebrate the legacies of a father and daughter gone far too soon.