Grand Blanc Township, MI — Craig Hayden Identified as First Victim in Grand Blanc Mormon Church Shooting: Family Mourns Loss. The Grand Blanc community is still reeling from the tragic events that unfolded at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township on Sunday, September 28, 2025. As details continue to emerge, the first victim of the mass shooting has been identified as Craig Hayden, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Hayden, 66, was among the victims killed during the attack, which left four people dead, including the gunman, and several others injured.

Craig Hayden’s death was confirmed by family members to Channel2 NOW, and the grief-stricken family has shared their heartfelt memories of the man they lost. Local business owner Terry Green, who operates Billmeier Camera, a long-standing family-run business in Grand Blanc, paid tribute to his father-in-law in an emotional message shared on social media. Hayden’s death marks a significant loss not only to his family but also to the broader community, where he was a well-known and respected figure.

Craig Hayden’s Legacy: A Man of Family and Faith

Terry Green described his father-in-law as a devoted family man, someone who lived his life with dedication to his loved ones and his faith. In a heartfelt message, Green shared the devastating news with the community, expressing both sorrow and gratitude for the support received.

“My dear wife Julie is my number one helper, our bonus daughter Katelyn runs the photo lab, and our lifelong friend Miss Kelly helps with framing and the phones,” Green wrote. “While my wife’s family was at church on Sunday, there was a shooting. My beloved father-in-law Craig Hayden was killed. He did not suffer and is at peace with Jesus in heaven. For this, we take solace. The rest of our family’s lives were spared. Others, sadly, were not so lucky.”

Green’s tribute painted a picture of a man who was deeply cherished by his family. Hayden’s legacy as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather is now being honored by those who knew and loved him. The message also reflected the deep pain felt by the family, as they now begin to navigate the difficult days ahead without their patriarch.

The Attack: Gunfire and Chaos Inside the Church

The attack at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints occurred on Sunday morning during a worship service attended by hundreds of parishioners, including children. According to eyewitness accounts, the service was abruptly interrupted when a loud crash echoed through the building, followed by the sound of gunfire.

At the time of the attack, many churchgoers initially thought someone had accidentally struck the church with a vehicle. However, they quickly realized the horrifying truth when a man armed with an assault rifle exited a pickup truck and opened fire on the congregation. The shooter, later identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former Marine, then set the church on fire before being fatally shot in a confrontation with law enforcement officers.

Investigators have confirmed that Sanford, who lived in Burton, Michigan, rammed his truck into the church’s front entrance before opening fire. The gunfire and subsequent fire left chaos in its wake, with multiple victims lying injured or dead in the aftermath. Police later determined that the church had been filled with hundreds of worshippers, including many children, at the time of the attack.

A Devastating Loss for the Local Business Community

The shooting has not only impacted Craig Hayden’s family but has also left a lasting impression on the broader Grand Blanc community. As a well-known local business owner, Terry Green’s Billmeier Camera store is an integral part of the town’s fabric. Following the attack, Green expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community, acknowledging the difficult road ahead as they cope with the loss of Hayden.

In his message, Green acknowledged the hardships that his family and the business would face as they grieve their loss. “We still have bills to pay, even when our hearts are broken,” Green wrote, referencing the impact Hayden’s death would have on the day-to-day operations of the business. However, Green also expressed gratitude for the love and support his family has received, thanking those who have reached out to offer their condolences and assistance.

To help cover funeral and memorial expenses, the Hayden family has set up a GoFundMe page. The page has already received an outpouring of donations and messages of support from the community and beyond. Many people who knew Craig Hayden personally have shared their memories of him, recalling his kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his family and faith.

The Community Responds: Support for Victims and Their Families

The tragedy at the Grand Blanc Mormon Church has left the entire community in shock. As law enforcement continues its investigation into the attack, residents have come together to support the victims and their families. Local churches and organizations have organized prayer services, vigils, and counseling sessions for those affected by the shooting.

Many local businesses, including Billmeier Camera, have been temporarily closed or have adjusted their hours to allow for grieving and remembrance. The outpouring of community support has been overwhelming, with people offering their time, resources, and love to help those who are struggling.

“We are forever grateful for the kindness and support of our community,” Green said in his message. “It means so much to us that we are not alone in this difficult time.”

The Investigation: What Led to the Attack?

As the investigation continues, authorities are working to understand the motives behind Thomas Jacob Sanford’s attack. Sanford, a Marine veteran, had a criminal history that included arrests for burglary and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. While it is still unclear what specifically led him to carry out this attack, investigators are working to determine if Sanford had any personal connection to the church or if there were other factors at play.

Sanford’s military background has also raised questions about whether his service and possible experiences during his deployments in Iraq contributed to his actions. While no official motive has been confirmed, investigators are exploring all possibilities, including mental health issues, personal grievances, or possible extremist ideologies.

One of the key aspects of the investigation will be examining Sanford’s interactions and possible connections to the church. Authorities are working to determine if Sanford had any prior relationship with the church, its members, or the victims. Understanding the motive behind the attack will be crucial in determining how to prevent similar incidents in the future.

A Community Forever Changed: Grief and Healing

The loss of Craig Hayden and the other victims of the Grand Blanc Mormon Church shooting has left an indelible mark on the Grand Blanc community. For the families of the victims, the pain of losing their loved ones in such a violent and senseless manner will take time to heal.

The community, however, has rallied around the victims’ families, offering love, support, and resources to help them through the difficult days ahead. While the road to recovery will be long and fraught with emotional challenges, the community’s strength and unity will play an important role in the healing process.

In addition to offering support to the families of the victims, local leaders and advocates are calling for greater attention to be paid to the issue of gun violence in public spaces, including places of worship. The attack on the Grand Blanc Mormon Church is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of public spaces, and many are calling for stronger security measures and protections for communities in the wake of this tragedy.

Conclusion: Remembering the Victims and Honoring Their Legacy

As the community of Grand Blanc mourns the loss of Craig Hayden and the other victims, their memories will continue to live on through the stories and tributes shared by their families, friends, and the broader community. Craig Hayden’s legacy as a devoted family man, a U.S. Navy veteran, and a faithful member of his church will not be forgotten.

The tragedy at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has shaken the Grand Blanc community to its core, but it has also brought people together in solidarity and support. While the investigation into the attack continues, the focus now shifts to honoring the victims and offering support to their families as they navigate the painful aftermath of this senseless act of violence.

The community remains committed to remembering the victims, healing together, and ensuring that the memory of those lost is never forgotten. As they continue to process their grief, they also work to build a safer, stronger future for the next generation.