HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Dozens of community members gathered in Hendersonville Saturday evening to remember 7-year-old Piper Elliott one week after she was reportedly drowned by her mother.
Although Piper was young, neighbors spoke about the impression she forever left on their apartment community. Piper’s neighbor, Chris Speicher, recalled playing with the girl in the pool, as she liked to jump off his shoulders into the water.
“When you seen her infectious smile, that’s all you needed to see. She said hi to everybody, she was polite. She was a gracious little 7-year-old that just loved being around people, whether you were an adult or whether you were her best friend that was 7,” Speicher said.
Piper’s dad remembered her as loving math, the outdoors, and dancing whenever she could.
Neighbors from Piper’s Hendersonville apartment complex and community members touched by her story gathered by Old Hickory Lake on Saturday, July 20.
“Piper was so loved by so many. We’ve heard so many great things about her and just, it didn’t have to happen,” vigil attendee Tonya Stahl said.
“We love you Piper, and we’re going to get justice for you,” vigil organizer Heather Redferin said.
Piper’s mother, Brandi Elliott, is charged with first-degree murder after being accused of drowning the 7-year-old in Drakes Creek on Saturday, July 13. According to court documents, Brandi told police she wanted alone time “after having a rough day,” but Piper wouldn’t leave her alone.
Neighbors close to Piper encouraged any parent struggling to lean on friends and family for help, and to take a break when needed.
“Sometimes parents need a break, but when you have friends in a community, don’t ever hesitate to call. And that’s what’s so sad is if she would have just reached out to any of us in our apartments at Nottingham, somebody would have said, ‘Okay, take you a few, we got Piper,'” Speicher said. “She was a special one. Just hug your kids. They may get on your nerves, but just hug your kids.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to help Piper’s father, who is a disabled veteran and is in shock over the loss of his daughter.
Meanwhile, the Hendersonville Police Department asked anyone with information about Piper’s death to call 615-265-5303 or Hendersonville Crime Stoppers at 615-594-4113.