Paige Patton, a Nashville radio host who goes by the name Averianna, is speaking out about her former classmate Audrey Hale, who killed six people, including three 9-year-old children, at the Covenant School in Nashville this week.
Patton spoke to the media about Hale reaching out to her via text, stating, "This is my last goodbye. I love you, see you again in another life." When Patton told Hale that she had so much more life to live, Hale responded, "I know, but I don't want to live, I'm so sorry. I'm not trying to upset you or get attention, I just need to die. I wanted to tell you first because you are the most beautiful person I've ever seen and known all my life."
After speaking with her father about the message, Patton contacted the suicide prevention hotline, who said that they would have authorities come to her location to review the messages. However, no one showed up until that afternoon, after the shooting had already taken place.
Hale was fatally shot by police at the school. The victims were revealed to be three 9-year-old students: Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney, and Hallie Scruggs. Also killed were Cynthia Peak, 61, believed to be a substitute teacher; Katherine Koonce, the 60-year-old head of the school; and Mike Hill, a 61-year-old custodian, police said.
