A devastating tragedy has struck the Kilgore and Sabine communities as 16-year-old Hailey Blake, a student at Sabine High School, and her father, 40-year-old Shawn Blake, were both fatally shot on Sunday afternoon in a heartbreaking incident that unfolded at Hugh Camp Memorial Park.
Emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene shortly after reports of gunfire were received. Upon arrival, first responders found both Hailey and Shawn suffering from critical gunshot wounds. Despite every effort made by paramedics to save their lives, both victims tragically succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
The suspected shooter has been identified as 18-year-old Christopher Wayne Hicks Jr., believed to be Hailey Blake’s boyfriend. Authorities report that Hicks was also found at the scene with what appeared to be a self-inflicted wound. He was immediately taken into custody and transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. As of Monday morning, his condition remains undisclosed to the public, and charges are pending as investigators continue their work.
According to preliminary reports from the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office and Kilgore Police Department, the shooting appears to have stemmed from a personal dispute, though the exact circumstances and motive remain under investigation. Law enforcement has assured the community that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Remembering Hailey and Shawn
The loss of Hailey and her father has left an indescribable void in the lives of their family, friends, and the entire Sabine Independent School District community. Hailey, a junior at Sabine High School, was described by classmates and teachers as a kind-hearted, intelligent young woman with a bright future. She was active in school events, loved by her peers, and known for her compassionate spirit.
“Hailey had this light about her that made everyone around her feel seen and cared for,” said one of her teachers. “Her presence in our school was something special, and we are heartbroken beyond words.”
Her father, Shawn Blake, was known as a devoted dad, always present at school functions and supportive of Hailey’s endeavors both in and out of the classroom. Friends and neighbors describe him as a hardworking, kind man who prioritized his family above all else.
