Michele Davis Finds Solace in Nature After Son’s Tragic Death

ROSWELL, Ga. (AP) — A hawk perched on a tree captured the attention of Michele and Jeremy Davis as they mourned their son at a vigil outside his high school. This poignant moment occurred one day after 17-year-old Carter Davis was fatally shot in a random act of violence that struck fear in the Atlanta suburbs in the summer of 2016.

As the couple stood grieving, the hawk watched over them, and afterward, it soared silently above Carter’s classmates gathered at the vigil. Michele Davis recounted this moment, stating, “Seeing the hawk gave me a sense of peace during that difficult time.”

In the past eight years, Michele Davis has looked for signs of her son’s presence through nature, particularly hawks and butterflies. Recently, a former student, Slater Nalley, who had a strong bond with Carter, wrote a song in his memory. Nalley made headlines when he performed the song on the hit television show “American Idol,” set to air its season premiere this Sunday.

Michele Davis, who teaches English at the Lovett School in Atlanta, saw Nalley’s actions as another message from her son, further reassuring her that Carter is watching over them. “Every time I see those signs, I feel him with me,” she said.

Reflecting on cherished memories, Michele shared that one of her last moments with Carter was spent in South Dakota, where they admired a rock formation called the Praying Hands. This tranquility was shattered days later when both Carter and his friend, Natalie Henderson, were tragically killed just before the start of their senior year in high school.

In the wake of their deaths, the Davis family sought solace in finding ways to connect with Carter. They turned to the outdoors for signs, with Jeremy explaining to their daughter, Greta, that Carter might communicate through nature, like feathers or dragonflies. A hawk’s appearance at the vigil solidified this belief.

Days after the tragedy, a butterfly resembling Carter’s favorite colors landed near Michele, serving as an unexpected reminder of her son’s spirit. “It was as if the universe was sending us a message,” she recalled.

In a tribute to Carter’s passion for lacrosse, friends organized a pick-up game weeks after the incident. During the game, one player wore Carter’s jersey and helmet, and in a touching moment, a butterfly landed on the helmet, further symbolizing Carter’s continued presence.

Authorities later apprehended 20-year-old suspect Dan Hazelwood, who was charged with two counts of murder after stalking Carter and Henderson from a distance. Hazy footage available from the time shows him acting erratically in a Guy Fawkes mask before and after the shooting, revealing a disturbed psyche.

After pleading guilty but mentally ill, Hazelwood now serves a life sentence in a Georgia prison. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, which his defense attorneys argued during the trial. This conviction did little to ease the Davis family’s pain, but it provided them a measure of closure.

Michele Davis has also found support from families facing similar losses; she is part of a group called the Warrior Moms, dedicated to sharing their experiences and helping others navigate grief. “We talk about our stories and how we find joy again,” she said. “It’s intentional work to move forward with life.”

Her collaboration with Nalley led to a poem and subsequently the song honoring Carter’s memory. “The music is a way to keep his spirit alive,” Michele noted, as she recalled Nalley’s powerful performance that resonated deeply with those who knew Carter.

The song’s lyrics echo her feelings, mentioning hawks that soar and remind her of Carter’s presence. “Every time I see a bird fly by, I’m reminded you’re answering my prayers,” it sings, capturing the essence of her enduring hope.

As Michele looks toward the future, she remains committed to noticing those unexpected moments of connection with Carter, believing that joy and sorrow can coexist. “You learn to live in the ‘and,’” she said, embracing both grief and joy as part of her journey.