Grieving Widow Shares Journey After Husband’s Death in Mass Shooting

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Maryanne Elliott vividly recalls the moment she learned her husband, Tommy, had died in a mass shooting at Old National Bank two years ago. With police officers standing guard at the emergency room, she received shocking news that would forever change her life.

On April 10, 2023, as Maryanne participated in a regular Zoom meeting, she received a call from her friend Nicole Yates. ‘Do you know there’s an active shooter at Old National?’ Nicole urged, prompting Maryanne to turn on the news. Despite the chaos, Maryanne maintained hope, believing Tommy, a vice president at the bank, would be fine.

However, as the morning unfolded, her feeling of security unraveled. Around 9:20 a.m., Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a long-time friend of the family, called her with news that shattered her world. ‘I’m so sorry,’ he said. At that moment, Maryanne carbon-copied denial replaced her understanding of reality.

Maryanne rushed to the hospital, where a nurse handed her a yellow Post-It Note. ‘Write down your name and your husband’s name,’ the nurse instructed. The ink was black, stark against the paper, marking the transition into a life marked by grief.

Tommy, beloved husband and father, had been shot at 8:33 a.m. He was one of the victims in a horrific incident that left Maryanne grappling with profound loss. ‘Sometimes I go by that chair and I see him laughing,’ Maryanne recalled about his empty chair in their home, a constant reminder of her vibrant partner.

Over the past two years, Maryanne has navigated a complex blend of emotions—grief, anger, and gratitude. She strives to share her journey openly, willing to discuss not only her pain but also how she hopes to inspire others dealing with their losses. “Grief is a full-on body experience,” she remarked. Even as she moves forward, the weight of Tommy’s absence looms large.

Maryanne’s personal and public mourning story invites reflection on love and loss. ‘What do you do when the person you love the most is no longer here?’ Maryanne asks, illustrating the existential questions that plague her daily.

In an effort to reshape her relationship with that fateful day, Maryanne is hosting an event called StoryFest on April 10, 2024, at the Muhammad Ali Center. The event will help six nonprofits share their stories and receive support from the community. “It’s beyond April 10,” she explained. “Now I’m looking forward to April 10 with hope. I know it will be accompanied by sorrow. Resilience is my story.”

The loss of her husband remains a profound part of her identity. With a determined spirit, Maryanne accommodates her past into plans for the future, highlighting the courage required to redefine grief. In the words of Maryanne, ‘Grief doesn’t have a predetermined timeline,’ and she encourages those struggling with loss to acknowledge their pain without the need for immediate resolution.