Close-knit Michigan community comes together after tragic death

LANSING, Michigan (WILX) – The city of Charlotte is coming together to help a grieving family.

Emily Hansen, 26, was the victim of a fatal shooting at the Fountain Park Apartments in Dewitt Township on Tuesday.

Emily's mother, Wendy Cornish, said she did not want her daughter to be remembered for Tuesday's tragedy, but for the person she was throughout her life.

“That was what she looked forward to: hugging everyone every day and telling them, 'Hi, have a nice day!' and 'I love you.' That was my daughter,” Wendy said.

Emily was born in the summer of 1998 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. Even as a child, she was a bright spot and always caring for others, Wendy said.

“She always had a wonderful attitude towards life. As a little girl she loved to play the piano and she sang Christmas carols on the piano and played the violin and viola,” Wendy remembers.

Emily's positive attitude was infectious and shone through even her most difficult times. Emily lost her father to cancer at a young age and was also diagnosed with the same cancer. Despite these challenges, however, Wendy said you can always count on her to cheer you up or help you out.

“Throughout her life she had to go through many exams and things like that, was constantly in doctors' offices, but she always had a wonderful attitude towards life,” she said.

The city of Charlotte is doing everything it can to help pay for funeral expenses. People in the community have started donating, and some businesses are even giving away a portion of their proceeds.

Emily's friend Kiesha Howe helped lead the fundraiser, setting up donation bins in stores across the city.

“I started with a few pieces and didn't know how big it would get, but people accepted it and wanted one. I'm in the process of making more,” Kiesha explained.

They have already raised thousands of dollars and are continuing to raise more money. They say they are touched to see their small town showing so much heart.

“The community involvement has been great, but we just don't have the answers as to why it happened. But I pray that one day we will have an answer and that she will rest in peace,” Wendy said.

A memorial service and dinner celebrating life is planned for Wednesday, September 18.

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