Alix's Memorial

On September 10, 2013 my friend Chrishell Woodruff was late returning home from work. When she arrived she was greeted by the gruesome scene of an apparent murder/suicide. Her 16 year-old daughter Alix had a single gunshot wound to the head, her husband Michael had the same. Michael, her husband of 10 years, had been the shooter. Everyone who knew this family is completely shocked by this tragedy. For all involved, Michael appeared a caring, loving father. Alix had called him dad since she was 5 years old. All friends, family, and the community as a whole are still shocked by this unbelievable violence.

I have no doubt that my friend Chrishell will survive this tragedy. The term I have always used to describe her is infectiously optimistic. She has one of those personalities that is truly gregarious and happy. No matter what mood you arrive in, after an hour or so with Chrishell, you leave feeling cheerful. Although she is going through what NO parent should have to go through, I believe that she will navigate these hard times better than most. Unfortunately, I can not help in the way that I truly wish: go back in time and somehow change the outcome. I can, however, start this campaign to try and ease her difficulty in the upcoming months/years.


My dear friend is now faced with needing to find funds for a funeral for her only child, who had just celebrated her 16th birthday 1 week prior. Furthermore, Chrishell's house is now the location of a murder investigation. Even when she is able to return it will forever infamously be the home that her husband callously took both his and Alix's lives. Chrishell luckily has her mother nearby, but she no longer has a home of her own. In this tragedy, Chrishell has lost the income of her husband and will be struggling to pay bills. Although Chrishell's job is waiting for her when ever she is ready and able to return, her place of employment only allows 2 days of bereavement pay.