In Loving Memory of Brande Summers and Haliegh Summers

In Loving Memory of Brande Summers and Haliegh Summers

The community of Macon is grieving an unspeakable tragedy that unfolded on what began as a quiet Tuesday morning in the Lake Wildwood neighborhood of Bibb County. A family has been torn apart, two precious lives have been lost, and a community now struggles to make sense of the heartbreak left behind.

Authorities confirmed that 49-year-old Brande Summers and her 21-year-old daughter, Haliegh Summers, were shot and killed inside their home in what investigators have described as a domestic violence incident. The suspected shooter, identified as 51-year-old Ray Summers, later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a Macon hospital. Their family has been notified, and loved ones are now facing a grief too heavy for words.

The tragic events unfolded in the 1100 block of Greentree Parkway within the gated Lake Wildwood community. At approximately 10:15 a.m., a deputy with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the residence to serve an eviction notice. As the deputy approached the home, gunshots rang out, instantly shattering the stillness of the morning.

According to Chace Ambrose, speaking on behalf of the sheriff’s office, the deputy immediately retreated and called for backup. What followed was a tense and emotional standoff that lasted roughly two hours. Negotiations reportedly began around 10:30 a.m., as law enforcement worked urgently to assess the situation and attempt contact with those inside the home.

But behind the flashing lights and the presence of emergency responders was a devastating reality: two women — a mother and her daughter — had already lost their lives.

Brande Summers is remembered as a devoted mother whose world revolved around her children. Those who knew her describe a woman who carried both strength and warmth, someone who faced life’s challenges with resilience and deep love for her family. She was protective, caring, and fiercely committed to those she held dear.

Her daughter, Haliegh Summers, was just 21 years old — at the beginning of her adult life, filled with dreams yet to be realized. Friends describe Haliegh as vibrant and full of personality, with a smile that could brighten a room. She had her whole future ahead of her — aspirations, plans, and milestones that will now remain unfinished. Her loss is especially painful for her peers, who are grappling with the sudden absence of someone so young and full of life.

The bond between a mother and daughter is sacred — built on shared memories, quiet conversations, laughter, and unconditional love. To lose both lives in a single tragic morning has left the community in profound sorrow.

Neighbors in Lake Wildwood have spoken of their disbelief. Many describe the area as peaceful and close-knit, a place where families build their lives and children grow up. The sound of gunfire that morning was not only shocking but deeply unsettling. It served as a harsh reminder of how quickly violence can shatter even the most tranquil settings.

As investigations continue, the focus for many remains on honoring the memories of Brande and Haliegh. Vigils, flowers, and heartfelt tributes are beginning to emerge as symbols of collective mourning. Community members are leaning on one another, offering prayers, support, and compassion to those closest to the family.

Domestic violence leaves wounds that reach far beyond a single household. It impacts entire communities, reminding us of the importance of awareness, support systems, and intervention. In remembering Brande and Haliegh, many are also renewing conversations about safety, advocacy, and standing up for those who may be suffering in silence.

While the circumstances surrounding their deaths are tragic and complex, the lives of Brande and Haliegh were defined by far more than their final moments. They were loved. They were valued. They mattered deeply to those who knew them.

Brande’s nurturing spirit and Haliegh’s youthful light will forever remain in the hearts of family and friends. Their memories will live on in shared stories, photographs held close, and the quiet spaces where their presence is most deeply missed.

As Macon mourns, may the community find strength in unity.

May their family be surrounded by comfort and compassion.

And may Brande Summers and Haliegh Summers rest in eternal peace, their love enduring beyond this life.