Survivors of Harvest Homecoming shooting continue to recover

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Two strangers now tied to the same tragedy continue to recover from the shooting at New Albany's Harvest Homecoming.

Brendan Hagan, a 22-year-old father, was shot when walking to the restroom.

Michele Nashi, a single mother, was shot while waiting for her son and his friend to get off a carnival ride.

"He had to take his last breath at a Harvest event I mean, it's terrible," said Hagan.

Hagan is still recovering in the hospital. On Wednesday, he had a second surgery.

While he's focused on improving, Hagan said he's heartbroken for Bryce Gerlach, the 18-year-old shot and killed.

"It breaks my heart," said Hagan.

At the same time, Hagan is counting his blessings. He attended the fest with his 10-month-old son, girlfriend, and her family.

He walked away from them to use the restroom. That's when he was shot.

"I'm just glad to see my son, glad to see my girlfriend, glad to be here with my family still," said Hagan. "I've got faith in God, I've got all glory to God right now, more than I ever have."

Hagan said he remembers the night clearly, the moment he was shot, and after.

Brendan Hagan, pictured with his son, was shot in the leg while attending New Albany's Harvest Homecoming Oct. 12, 2024. (Courtesy: Brendan Hagan family)

He credits a stranger, possibly a Harvest Homecoming employee, and a police officer that applied a tourniquet for saving his life.

"I look down at my leg and I knew I got hit, I felt the sting," Hagan said.

Like Hagan, Nashi has a long road to recovery.

Tim Pavey is Nashi's brother-in-law and said the family was in disbelief when they learned what happened.

Pavey said Nashi called them after being shot, to tell them what happened and get her son.

"The first thing that came to mind is disbelief," Pavey said.

Michele Nashi was shot in the leg while attending New Albany's Harvest Homecoming Oct. 12, 2024. (Courtesy: Michele Nashi family)

Pavey said Nashi's tibia was shattered and is at home, bed-ridden, waiting to see an orthopedic surgeon.

While Nashi will work towards recovery, Pavey said she's less worried about that, and worried for the Gerlach family.

In May, Nashi's son was killed in a car crash, so she knows the pain the Gerlach family feels.

"It's nothing that any parent should ever have to go through in their life," said Pavey.

A GoFundMe has been set up for Nashi, click here. A GoFundMe has also been set up for Hagan, click here.

Gerlach's visitation is set for Oct. 17 at First Capital Christian Church in Corydon from noon to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 9-11 a.m.

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Survivors of Harvest Homecoming shooting continue to recover