Christopher Brent "Chris" Hixon, aged 49, tragically lost his life on February 14, 2018, during the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Hixon, a Navy veteran who served for 27 years, was the Athletic Director and Campus Security Monitor at the school. On that fateful day, he responded to the sound of gunfire in the 1200 building, confronting the shooter in an attempt to protect the students and staff.
Despite his heroic efforts, Hixon was shot and later found by Coral Springs Police officers, who arrived approximately 11 minutes after the shooting began. He was still conscious and trying to get up when they found him, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
The shooter, a former student of the school, was apprehended shortly after the incident. The attack resulted in the deaths of 17 individuals, including Hixon, and injuries to 17 others. The shooter was charged with 17 counts of first-degree murder and 17 counts of attempted murder. In October 2021, he pleaded guilty to all charges. The sentencing phase of the trial concluded in November 2022, with the shooter receiving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
In the aftermath of the shooting, numerous lawsuits were filed against various entities, including the school district and law enforcement agencies, for failing to prevent the tragedy. Hixon's family, along with other victims' families, have been vocal advocates for changes in school safety and gun control legislation. They have participated in various initiatives and events to honor the memory of their loved ones and to push for reforms aimed at preventing such tragedies in the future.
