2 years later | Louisville remembers victims of Old National Bank mass shooting

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — On the two-year anniversary of the deadly mass shooting at Old National Bank in downtown Louisville, family members, friends and community members gathered Wednesday to honor the five lives lost and the countless others forever changed.

“It’s hard to believe — it feels like yesterday,” said Nicole Yates, a close friend of victim Tommy Elliott.

On April 10, 2023, a gunman opened fire inside the bank, killing five people: Josh Barrick, Deana Eckert, Juliana Farmer, Jim Tutt and Tommy Elliott. The shooting left deep scars across the community and brought widespread grief that still lingers.

Outside the bank, five sets of flowers marked the place where the victims lost their lives. Each bouquet carried a note: "Forever in our hearts."

“We’re not reflecting on this being a sad day,” Yates said. “Instead, we’re bringing the give-back attitude.”

That spirit of giving back is being carried on through the Tommy Elliott Community Foundation, launched by Elliott’s wife, Mary Ann. The foundation aims to uplift nonprofits through an initiative called StoryFest, which debuted Thursday night at the Muhammad Ali Center.

StoryFest gives six local organizations five to six minutes to share their missions through storytelling. The goal, Yates said, is to connect community members and potential stakeholders with causes that reflect Elliott’s values.

“Tommy was a connector,” Yates said. “He was compassionate. And now, we’re bringing all of his attributes back into the community and giving back on his behalf.”

Yates described Elliott as someone who constantly made introductions — in the gym, at work, or in political circles — believing that strong communities are built on strong relationships.

"Tommy and I were very good friends. We talked daily. We did a lot of work together in the political world,” she said.

Even in grief, Yates said healing continues.

“I think a lot of healing has been going on,” she said. “Mary Ann has done an incredible job — through healing and grief, this was all her idea.”

Also remembered on this day was Louisville Metro Police Officer Nick Wilt, one of the first officers on the scene. Just 10 days out of the police academy, Wilt was critically injured while responding but has made a remarkable recovery.

“He’s gotten better. Who knew... thank God,” Yates said. “It’s a testament of faith and will.”

Last year, Wilt visited WDRB, where he toured the newsroom and even tried his hand at forecasting with Chief Meteorologist Marc Weinberg.

As Louisville reflects on the tragedy two years later, the memory of those lost remains etched in the hearts of many — and efforts like StoryFest ensure their legacies live on through action and community.

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