Community continues to honors victims of US Bank shooting

BEREA, Ky. (WKYT) - It’s been more than a week since tragedy struck in Berea.

Investigators say a masked man walked into the US Bank branch on Chestnut Street and killed two employees, Brian Switzer and Breanna Edwards.

Flowers now sit outside the building in memory of the two employees.

“We are just taking it day by day, sometimes second by second. We are just so incredibly deeply sad,” said Rachel Switzer, Brian Switzer’s wife.

The community is rallying to support the victims’ families.

Community support

Lisa Parsons, therapist and owner of Parson’s Counseling and Play Therapy Center, is offering support to anyone who may need it.

“It’s ok to feel shock. It’s okay to be struggling right now. It’s okay if your children are still struggling and worried about maybe going to school,” Parsons said.

Edwards, 35, owned Wildflower and Whimsy Photography. Dan Steinhauer, a photographer from Danville, is offering a free, no hidden cost session to Edwards’ clients who have an unfulfilled session.

Steinhauer says the goal is to honor her family’s loss.

“It was something that if I could help in some small way that I’d be happy to do it. I’ve got the time and the equipment, the know how, so I thought it’s be something that I could help out,” Steinhauer said.

Fundraiser planned

Several community business owners are holding a silent auction benefit next Friday to help the families of the victims.

“The idea just came up, what can we do to help the family? Just because it’s such a huge impact, you know, time off work, financially, all of the things that nobody really thinks about,” business owner Cameron Franklin said.

Franklin said the goal is to raise money and celebrate the lives that were lost.

The fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, May 15 at the Madison County Fairgrounds from 6-10 p.m. Organizers say any donations are welcome.