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Counselors offer support to Hixson High School students after classmate’s shooting death

Marlon Kennemore with employees from TVA during mock interviews at Hixson High School on Thursday, June 14, 2018, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The interviews were conducted as part of Project Search, a partnership with the Hamilton County Department of Education and area businesses like BlueCross BlueShield that prepares students with learning and intellectual disabilities for transition to adulthood. Marlon Kennemore with employees from TVA during mock interviews at Hixson High School on Thursday, June 14, 2018, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The interviews were conducted as part of Project Search, a partnership with the Hamilton County Department of Education and area businesses like BlueCross BlueShield that prepares students with learning and intellectual disabilities for transition to adulthood.

By Rosana Hughes August 21, 2018 2 min read

Michael David McElrath (Photo: hcsheriff.gov)

After the shooting death of 15-year-old Dylan McElrath over the weekend, Hamilton County Schools counselors made themselves available to students at Hixson High School on Monday.

“It was a tough day,” school district spokesman Tim Hensley said, but added that the day went relatively well, given the circumstances.

Director of school counseling Patricia Russell said McElrath was a well-mannered, easygoing and extremely kind student.

“He was an honor student, so a very intelligent student, and just embraced by his school community,” she said.

McElrath was shot and killed Saturday. His father, Michael David McElrath, has been charged in the slaying after admitting to the crime, allegedly telling deputies, “I did it, I did it. I’m so sorry. I shot my son. I don’t know why.”