Updated October 2, 2025, 11:30 a.m. MT.
As Grand Blanc mourns and begins the long process of healing, this article will be updated with new information about the victims and with ways the community can offer support. It is meant to honor lives lost, lift up those recovering, and share opportunities to serve. We do not endorse or verify the authenticity of fundraisers, and we encourage readers to use their best judgment when donating.
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On September 28, a Sunday worship service in Grand Blanc, Michigan, ended in tragedy when an attack on a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took the lives of several members and injured many more. In the days since, families have shared testimonies of hope, neighbors have offered support, and Church leaders have come to stand with those who are grieving.
Honoring the Lives Lost
The tragedy claimed the lives of four members of the congregation. Those confirmed through family and media reports include John Bond, Pat Howard, and Craig Hayden. Multiple social media sources have also named Thelma Armstrong as among the deceased, though her name has not yet been confirmed by official statements.
John Bond
John Bond, 77, was remembered by his family as “a loving husband, father and grandfather” with passions for golf, trains, and time with his grandchildren. A GoFundMe campaign is helping cover his memorial service and provide for his wife, Joanne, with his family expressing gratitude: “We can’t thank you enough for helping ensure she can take care of all of the arrangements necessary as she navigates this tragedy.”
A proud U.S. Navy veteran, John served nine years during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Dixon and USS Scamp, earning his submarine dolphins in 1972. After his honorable discharge, he remained active in veterans’ organizations, leading the Linden VFW Post and joining the U.S. Submarine Veterans Wolverine Base.
Fellow veteran Frank Allen recalled their bond as submariners, saying, “The camaraderie among submarine sailors is legendary. He will be missed.” Allen also asked for prayers for Bond’s wife, Joanne, as she faces this painful time and encouraged support for her through the family’s fundraiser.
Craig Hayden
Craig Hayden, a husband of more than 50 years, “lost his life helping another in the shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Grand Blanc,” according to his family. A GoFundMe was organized to ease living expenses for his widow, Carol Hayden, with his loved ones testifying that “the Lord amplifies our efforts.”
In the days that followed, Craig’s daughters spoke of forgiveness in the face of loss. Lisa Louis recounted kneeling beside her father as he passed, looking into the eyes of the gunman, and feeling a calm resolve: “I forgave him, I forgave him right there, not in words, but with my heart.”
Her sister Julie affirmed that choice of compassion, writing, “I prayed for the man that took my father’s life and I told him he is forgiven…We forgive him.” Their family urged others to reject hate, choosing instead to follow the Savior’s path of peace.
Pat Howard
Pat Howard was remembered as a man whose family gave “kindness, love, and support” to everyone they met. A fundraiser described him as someone deeply devoted to his wife, Kitty, and their children, inviting others to now offer them the same love in return.
His niece, Maureen Seliger, recalled his warmth and quick wit, describing him as “smart, kind, funny, serious, curious, and loved his family.” She pictured him mid-conversation, eyes bright and a smile just beginning to form.
Seliger also asked for prayers and practical support for Kitty. Echoing the family’s call, she encouraged others to honor Pat by simple acts of goodness: “Do something nice for your neighbor, tell someone you love them, be the person you want your neighbor to be.”
Thelma Armstrong
John Pack, a fellow member of the congregation, wrote in an early Facebook update that “two bodies have been found in the burned chapel. One of these was our friend, Thelma Armstrong, from South Africa.” He remembered her as a friend and encouraged others to “seek the Lord and ask for peace and a spirit of forgiveness and calm.”
Tributes have also come from her home community in South Africa. The Klerksdorp Record reported: “Thelma was well-known in Klerksdorp as a general manager at Foodzone. She immigrated to the US in 2019. Her friends and family are shattered by the news. Sincere condolences to her loved ones.”
Friends and loved ones expressed their grief across Facebook. Diana Lee wrote, “You will always be in our hearts and memories. Your memory will live on in every heart you touched.” Maggie Botes shared, “You are truly going to be missed so much…may you and hubby be happy together again up there.” Nomsa Betty Tinta said simply, “I’m so hurt. Rest well my friend. This broke my heart.” Others, including Thomas Graham, Belinda Proudfoot, and Belinda Janse van Rensburg, described Thelma as kind, welcoming, and deeply loved.
To support her loved ones, a GoFundMe campaign has been organized by Gwen Henrie on behalf of Thelma’s family. The fundraiser invites the community to provide comfort and financial help as they grieve and make arrangements in the wake of her passing.
Survivors in Recovery
Greg Mikat
Greg Mikat sustained three gunshot wounds while trying to stop the attacker. His sister, Allison Ensign, organized a fundraiser and explained, “Greg was attempting to stop the horrific attack at his church when the assailant shot him three times. This has been a devastating and unexpected tragedy for his family.”
Greg remains in the ICU, facing surgeries and a long recovery. Donations are helping with medical bills, lost wages, and the daily costs of keeping life moving. “Any amount—big or small—means the world,” Allison wrote. “Your support will allow Greg’s family to focus on healing instead of financial stress.”
The trauma is compounded by Allison’s own experience at the rally where Charlie Kirk was shot just weeks earlier. Reflecting on both tragedies, she shared gratitude for community support and quoted BYU President C. Shane Reese: “Darkness had its day, but I’m here to testify that better angels will prevail. I’m here to testify that Christ’s light will prevail.”
Jeff and Marei Kubiak
Jeff and Marei Kubiak were both injured as chaos unfolded. Their daughter, Kathleen Payton, wrote of her father: “While attending church that day, my dad heard a loud crash and immediately rushed to help—because that’s who he is. In the chaos that followed, he was shot.”
Jeff’s ankle was shattered by a bullet, requiring two surgeries so far, and Marei’s hands and feet were cut by flying glass. With their small carpet-cleaning business now on hold, the family faces significant financial strain. Kathleen noted, “Any donation, big or small, will go directly to helping Jeff and Marei focus on what matters most: healing.”
Tributes from friends describe the couple as people who always stepped in to serve others. A former neighbor, Jessica Prukner, wrote that Marei hid missionaries in a classroom during the attack, while their son Keith said, “They are the ones that will give the shirt off their backs to help any one and not ask for anything. I never in a million years thought this would happen to them.”
Jared Hicken
Dr. Jared Hicken, chief emergency medicine resident at Henry Ford Genesys, was injured while helping others escape. He suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh, while his wife and young daughter were also hurt—his daughter by a bullet, and his wife by flying debris.
His mother, Kim Hicken, described the day as both devastating and miraculous: “The miracles that took place yesterday are almost too many to count. Today we mourn with those who were not as lucky as we were.” She urged others to reject the temptation to demonize others: “Let’s follow the example of Jesus Christ and love one another instead.”
Jared is now home recovering with his family, but they face the challenge of ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. Loved ones are rallying around them with donations and prayers, offering hope for healing in the weeks ahead.
Bridger Frampton
Dr. Bridger Frampton, also a fourth-year emergency medicine resident at Henry Ford Genesys, was seriously wounded in the attack. A husband and father of five, he remains hospitalized but stable.
His friend Jefferson Page, recalling their service together in the Air Force, testified of his character: “I can only imagine he put himself in danger to try and help others in the chaos.” He added, “Rage is stable but still in the hospital. Please take a minute to say a prayer for him and his family and the other families that are suffering from that heinous attack.”
Updates to his GoFundMe page remain hopeful as his family navigates the uncertainty of medical recovery and disrupted training. Community support continues to surround them with strength and encouragement.
Benjamin Phelps
Benjamin Phelps and his young son were among those injured in the tragedy. His son has since returned home, but Benjamin remains hospitalized, facing a long recovery. Loved ones have surrounded him, his wife Danalee, and their children with prayers, donations, and encouragement.
His sister-in-law, Sarah Kunzler, turned to scripture for strength, quoting Mosiah 18:9: “Mourn with those that mourn… and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.” She testified, “We know that through Jesus Christ, true healing and peace are possible, and we are grateful for the love being shown to Benjamin and his family.”
Family friend Keegan Garrity described Benjamin as a man devoted to his family, his faith, and the outdoors, and invited people of all backgrounds to unite in compassion: “Whether or not you’re a praying person, hopefully this serves as an opportunity to show solidarity, demonstrate empathy, and inspires you to be a peacemaker.”
The Giving Corner: A Grand Blanc Survivor’s Journey Home
Pierre Dery
Pierre Dery was among the first to respond when the attack began, believing he was rushing to help at the scene of an accident. His GoFundMe page reports that he has already endured two surgeries to repair an abdominal gunshot wound—with another planned in the coming week—and faces a long recovery ahead. Loved ones describe him as a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and uncle whose humor and generosity have always defined him.
Friends describe Pierre as quick to serve and deeply committed to his faith. Desi Jolley shared in a Facebook post, “When we were trying to get our fixer upper ready to move in before we had our third baby, we needed to get our bathroom framed for our bathtub. Brother Dery came and did the framing for free for us. My husband was really impressed with his framing skills and how willing and quick he was to help us. A true disciple of Christ.”
Former missionary Casey Talbot also reflected online on Pierre’s character, recalling how he often helped missionaries in nearby Fenton. “When I read that he was the second person to encounter the shooter because he thought there was an accident and was trying to help… I wasn’t shocked. It’s no surprise Pierre was trying to help,” he wrote. Even decades later, he remembers Pierre’s humor and kindness and echoed Jolley’s words: “A true disciple of Christ!”
The Sanford Family
In an inspiring act of compassion, members of the Church of Jesus Christ have extended support even to the family of the gunman, Thomas Jacob Sanford. Sanford’s actions brought devastation to many, but he also left behind a wife and children who now face grief, financial hardship, and the ongoing medical needs of one of their children.
The fundraiser was organized by Dave, who explained, “Sanford leaves behind a wife and children who must be grieving. They will face financial hardship and psychological trauma as a result of this week’s horrifying events.” Quoting from James in the New Testament, he wrote: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.”
Dave, who has appeared on Latter-day Saint YouTube channels such as The Stick of Joseph and Ward Radio, said the purpose of the fundraiser is to help with daily needs, specialized medical treatment, and to provide some measure of stability during an unimaginably difficult time. “Thank you for your kindness, your compassion, and your willingness to lift up those who are suffering.”
Support for All Victims
In addition to individual family campaigns, one fundraiser was created to provide help more broadly across the community. Josh and Sarah Perkins, who run the Instagram account For Little Saints, organized a GoFundMe titled Support for Grand Blanc Church Victims. Though they are not from Michigan, they have family ties to the area and felt moved to respond as fellow members of the Church of Jesus Christ.
“We believe firmly that even when the world seems very cruel, most people are trying to be good,” they wrote. “Most people want to be kind. Most people want to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort.”
The Perkinses explained that while the Church will provide help through its own channels, they wanted to give people a way to offer direct support. Funds raised will be sent to a local ecclesiastical leader in Grand Blanc, who will privately distribute the donations to families most in need. They closed their appeal with gratitude: “Thank you for your compassion, kindness, and generosity in the face of immense tragedy.”
Words from the Bishop
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Bishop Jeffrey Schaub, who leads the affected congregation in Grand Blanc, shared his feelings in an interview with East Idaho News. He acknowledged the pain of his members while also pointing to the blessings of faith and community.
“As you might expect, our members are quite shaken in spirit and in body, and it hurts,” he told EIN. Yet, even amid the sorrow, he has witnessed remarkable compassion: “The amount of unity and love that has been shown within our congregation from ward member to ward member is truly a testament of the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”
That unity has extended far beyond church walls. Bishop Schaub described returning home to find “dozens of notes and packages and meals and food and treats waiting for us.” Neighbors, teammates, and friends of many faiths had reached out, he said, dropping everything to show love and concern.
He emphasized how this love has reached across the world. “I know that people around the world are praying for our ward and our families, and I am so grateful for that. It is the most significant time of my life where I have felt the love and prayer of other people.”
Above all, Bishop Schaub testified of hope. “I am extremely grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I know that through our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can find joy again. With His help, there can be healing.”
Elder Bednar Ministers in Grand Blanc
That same witness of Christ’s healing power continued as Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles came to Grand Blanc to minister personally to survivors of the September 28 tragedy.
According to Church Newsroom, he was joined by his wife, Susan, and Elder Allen D. Haynie, United States Northeast Area President, and his wife, Deborah. Together they visited the site of the destroyed meetinghouse and spent time with families in hospitals. His presence was a reminder that no one walks the path of grief alone.
Standing near the remains of the chapel, Elder Bednar acknowledged the depth of pain. “This is no easy task to see beyond the immediate separation, the injury, the anguish—even the separation through death,” he said.
Yet he testified that strength is possible through Christ: “To have that capacity to be firm and steadfast, a foundation has been established upon the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is evident in [the members’] walk and talk and in the spirit that they exude.”
He expressed gratitude for the courage and faith he saw in Michigan. “In the midst of this horrible event, what I have seen are faithful Latter-day Saints following the admonition of President Nelson to be peacemakers in how they respond to this episode and how they support and serve each other,” Elder Bednar said.
As reported by Church Newsroom, he also thanked local and federal law enforcement for their efforts during and after the attack. The Apostle called the survivors’ resolve “remarkable,” noting the many miracles reported in the hours of chaos and in the days that followed. “It has been very tender to hear the episodes of what took place, how they responded, and the mighty and many miracles that occurred during this episode.”
Elder Bednar also echoed the words of President Dallin H. Oaks, who reminded members that such sorrow points us back to “our sacred responsibilities as followers of Jesus Christ.” Building on that covenant, Elder Bednar promised continued prayer and testified of the sustaining power of discipleship.
“We are all familiar with the admonition that we should mourn with those that mourn,” he said. “[These members] have much yet to experience and work through, but with our prayers, with their faith, and the influence of the Holy Ghost, these people will continue to be firm and steadfast and true.”
His visit closed a week filled with anguish but also with countless acts of kindness. From shared meals to heartfelt prayers, from neighbors showing up unasked to global support online, Grand Blanc has become a place where grief is carried together. Elder Bednar’s message confirmed the hope members are already living: that even in tragedy, Christ’s love is stronger than hate, and His grace is sufficient to heal broken hearts.
A Community Moving Forward in Faith
The events of September 28 left deep scars in Grand Blanc. Four lives were lost, many others were changed by injury and trauma, and a congregation saw its place of worship destroyed.
Yet through every account, what stands out is not despair but the steady choice to respond with faith and compassion. Families have spoken of forgiveness. Friends and neighbors have rallied in service. Leaders have pointed to the sustaining power of Jesus Christ.
Elder Bednar’s visit brought that witness into focus. Standing at the site of the damaged chapel and meeting with those in pain, he testified of the Savior’s power to heal and to strengthen. His presence, together with the words of Bishop Schaub and the voices of grieving families, underscored a truth this community is already living: discipleship means walking through hardship with faith in Christ and love for one another.
The path ahead will not be easy. But the response of this congregation has already shown what it means to follow the Savior in difficult times. In grief, they have chosen forgiveness. In loss, they have held onto hope. In all things, they are striving to move forward in faith.
Share your thoughts, prayers, and support for the Saints of Grand Blanc in the comments below.
Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.
Seeing the tragedy on Sunday was so awful, but seeing everyone rally around these people, including the shooter’s family, shows how strong the faith of these members are. Peace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ is the only way forward.
We join millions of peace loving Saints and friends to pray for those devastated by this tragic and devastating event. Pres Nelson exemplified Christ’s admonition to love God and our fellow men, & to be peacemakers in our homes and communities. Love from Australia
Prayers for everyone affected by this tragedy from the saints in Belfast, Northern Ireland
My heart aches for the beloved members of this ward. I cannot reconcile what would make one do such an evil act. I pray that the survivors and their families will find solace in their faith in our Heavenly Father. I pray that those who did not survive will have a joyous glorious reunion with their loved ones.
I want to add my words of compassion and encouragement for the ward members, the families of those who were injured and those who gave their lives, and also to the Sanford family. What happened was such a tragedy. What led to it undoubtedly included a great deal of pain and confusion. Hatred, revenge are not needed… Ever.
Love, kindness, forgiveness… Always.
In each of these accounts we see the faith, love and support of each other. Their faith in Jesus Christ is allowing them to move through this difficult time, knowing that the Lord is very aware of their needs, that prayers are being said by congregations and families across the world, and that “even so, “it is well with [their souls]” God bless each of you in the days and months to come.
The fundraiser link for Craig Hayden is incorrect.