Sunday, March 27, 2011

Brigham City, UT: Neighbors mourn victims of Brigham City murder-suicide

BRIGHAM CITY, Utah (ABC 4 News) – 58-year-old James, 57-year-old Kathy and 35-year-old Erik Hall were new to the Brigham City community. They moved from Ogden just a few months ago after friends and neighbors there say the Halls’ were forced to foreclose on their home.

Close friends say Kathy was in deteriorating as was Erik, from a skiing accident when he was just 19.

“He always had a smile. He was the most loving, happy, outgoing…with his spirit. Even in high school he was a very active person,” said long-time friend Ben Gerritsen.

Gerritsen had been best friends with Erick for 15 to 20 years. He was a fellow student with Erik at Weber High School and was around to watch Erik become an all-state track star and running back for the high school football team. Gerritsen was also there to accompany Erik to many of his six-month checkups after the skiing accident left him paralyzed.

“It was a big life changer. Going from a superstar to having the challenges of being in a wheelchair. But, spiritually and emotionally he was a leader to everyone,”said Gerritsen.

Annette Loveland lived right across the street from the Halls for about 20 years.

“They were very kind people very gentle people. Erik was very delightful with all of his pain he would still smile through it all,” she said.

Loveland went on to say how the entire community is in shock. They had had a special bond with the Halls after helping them through many obstacles including the pain that Erik had been in after the accident. And even with the news that police say James Hall shot and killed his wife and child, Loveland maintains he was a good man.

“He was very gentle, soft spoken. They were kind people. Very kind people with a lot of trials. One of our neighbors just said we need a big community group hug tonight.”

Police say the shooting happened about noon Friday. Police say it was a murder suicide and are confident that Hall is the one who pulled the trigger on his rifle. Police also say that Hall left behind a note touching on personal struggles and also goodbyes to his friends and family.

“It’s sad, but I know Erik loves his family, he loves his parents. He has an unconditional love for everyone. We miss Erik, but we know we’ll see him again,” said Gerritsen.

James and Kathy Hall leave behind two daughters. There will be a charitable fund set up to honor the victims of this horrible tragedy. Those details will be posted on abc4.com as soon as they are available.

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