05/11/2026
Haywood County Community Hospital Responds to Mass Casualty Incident Following Shooting at Haywood County High School Prom Photo Session
BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. – May 9th, 2026 – Haywood County Community Hospital, owned and operated by BradenHealth, today provided an update on its response to a mass casualty incident resulting from a shooting that occurred during a pre-prom photo session for Haywood County High School students yesterday evening.
The first 911 call was received by BradenHealth’s owned and operated City of Brownsville/Haywood EMS at 7:00pm, prompting an immediate coordinated mass-casualty response. Multiple victims were brought to the Haywood County Community Hospital for emergency treatment. During the hospital’s response to this mass casualty incident, a second, unrelated security event occurred in the hospital parking lot. Law enforcement promptly addressed the matter, ensuring the continued safety of patients, staff, and visitors.
BradenHealth and Haywood County Community Hospital would like to thank its sister hospitals and its owned ambulance services, which surged critical resources and support within two minutes of the initial 911 call. This rapid collaboration was instrumental in delivering timely, lifesaving care.
BradenHealth & Mayor Bill Rawls Jr. would like to thank responding agencies and officials to the hospital including the Henderson County Community Hospital, Perry County Community Hospital, Henderson County Emergency Medical Services, Perry County Emergency Medical Services, The Tennessee Highway Patrol, City of Brownsville Police Department, Air Evac Life Team, Hospital Wing, Tennessee Department of Health Office of Emergency Preparedness led by Mike Smith, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Pedi-Flite, Tennessee Department of Health, Office of EMS, led by Kevin Cagle, City of Brownsville Fire Department, Tennessee Dangerous Drugs Task Force, Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, Office of the Mayor of the City of Brownsville, Haywood County District Attorney Frederick Agee, Senator Page Walley, Senator Ed Jackson, Tennessee Health Facilities Commission, Tennessee Highway Patrol Criminal Investigations Division, State of Tennessee Department of Homeland Security-Investigations Division, Haywood County Medical Examiner’s Office, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee Bureau of Investigations, Tipton County, EMA, Covington Fire Department, City of Stanton, City of Brownsville, HCAA, Priority of Tipton County, and the Haywood County Constables. These agencies listed were instrumental in the response.
“Our hearts are heavy with grief over the tragic loss of life and the injuries sustained in this senseless shooting during what was meant to be a joyful celebration for our bright young people and their families,” said Mayor Bill Rawls Jr. of Brownsville. “We mourn with the family of the deceased and pray for the full recovery of those injured.” “This violence has absolutely no place in our community, and we strongly condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Anyone with information regarding this event should contact the Brownsville Police Department immediately.”
“The entire team at Haywood County Community Hospital is heartbroken by this tragic event that has impacted so many young lives,” said Michael Banks, CEO of Haywood County Community Hospital. “Our physicians, nurses, and support staff demonstrated extraordinary dedication and professionalism in caring for the victims while working hand-in-hand with our partners across the region. We condemn this senseless violence and remain fully committed to supporting the physical and emotional healing of our patients, their families, and the broader community as we stand united.”
Kyle Kopec, Chief Compliance Officer & Co-Founder of BradenHealth, stated: “Our phenomenal team at Haywood County Community Hospital acted swiftly and with compassion to care for every patient under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. We are deeply grateful to our sister hospitals and ambulance services for surging resources within two minutes of the initial 911 call. Braden Health joins community leaders in condemning this act of violence and remains committed to supporting the victims, their families, and the entire Haywood County community through recovery.”
BradenHealth and Haywood County Community Hospital extend their deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy and reaffirm their commitment to the health and safety of the communities they serve.
Media Contact:
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BradenHealth
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Mayor Bill Rawls Jr.
