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Columbia Tragedy: Two Killed, One Injured in Saturday Afternoon Shooting

Columbia Tragedy: Two Killed, One Injured in Saturday Afternoon Shooting

Issue #454

June 01, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Partly cloudy w/ high of 83 & low of 61

📰 Columbia Tragedy: Two Killed, One Injured in Saturday Afternoon Shooting

🏐 From 2 Teams to 15: How Hustle Factory / Apex Volleyball is Growing the Game in Maury County

🦓 Zebra on the Run: Pet Escapes, Shuts Down I-24 in Rutherford County

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Columbia Tragedy: Two Killed, One Injured in Saturday Afternoon Shooting

From Columbia Police Department’s post…

05/31/2025 9:16pm

“On Saturday May 31st at approximately 3:07pm Columbia Police responded to the 3000 Block of Somerset Lane in reference to a shooting incident. Upon arrival officers located three individuals who sustained gunshot wounds.

John Bidle, forty-six years of age, was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Stacie Wright, fifty-one years of age, was transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center where she passed away during surgery. A third victim was also transported to Vanderbilt with non-life-threatening injuries.

The offender, a forty-six-year-old male, was taken into custody at the scene and is being charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder. Investigators are still processing the scene, conducting interviews and combing through information. Other charges are likely at the conclusion of this investigation.

The Columbia Police Department extends its thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims and all who were impacted by this tragic incident.”

From reading comments of people who live in the neighborhood here, it seems like it was a dispute between neighbors that ended in gunfire.

Mayor Chaz Molder made this statement…

“Praying for the families impacted by today’s tragic shooting in north Columbia. Follow Columbia Police Department, Tennessee for continued updates. Keep everyone, especially the loss of life, in your prayers. And let’s show the world this is not who we are as a community. And no isolated incident like today will change that.” —CM

From 2 Teams to 15: How Hustle Factory / Apex Volleyball is Growing the Game in Maury County

In a sport often limited by cost and location, Tim Cooper is working to break down barriers for young athletes in Maury County. As the director of Apex Boys Volleyball Club and Hustle Factory Volleyball Club, Cooper is creating more than just volleyball programs—he’s building a supportive, skill-focused community where kids can grow both on and off the court.

What started as a small two-team girls program three years ago has grown into a year-round operation with 15 teams and beginner leagues. Between 130 and 160 young athletes now participate annually, a clear sign of rising demand for affordable, high-quality training closer to home.

Before Hustle Factory launched, Columbia families often had to drive more than 30 minutes to find competitive volleyball—an option that wasn’t always accessible or affordable. Cooper aimed to change that by offering local training, competitive opportunities, and developmental leagues at a lower cost, giving more kids a chance to play.

The club’s mission goes beyond wins and losses. Players are encouraged to grow as leaders, communicators, and teammates. Through mentorship and strong coach-player relationships, the program emphasizes character development alongside athletic training.

That approach is already paying off. One 16-year-old athlete who began with no competitive background is now a starter on both her high school and club teams. Another young player, just 11, began as a practice-only participant and has since earned a spot on her school’s roster and returned to Hustle Factory as a key contributor.

Tim Cooper coaching the Hustle Factory girls volleyball club

Cooper’s passion stems from his own journey—from a late-blooming high school athlete to an adult who fell in love with volleyball by chance. His coaching experience spans the globe, and he now channels that into growing a strong, inclusive program in Columbia.

The coaching staff reflects that same passion. Coaches are selected not just for their knowledge, but for their ability to mentor and inspire. From longtime coach Cassie Johnson to community supporters like local business owner Joey from Joey’s Italian Ice, each plays a role in shaping the athletes' experience.

This summer, the club is expanding again with a full lineup of camps and leagues. The beginner league filled up quickly with 50 participants, while intermediate and advanced camps offer skill-building for ages 10 to 18. Fall plans include up to 15 girls teams, four boys teams, and the launch of a national-level squad for elite competition.

Cooper is also championing boys volleyball across Tennessee, where it remains an unsanctioned high school sport. Through his work with the Tennessee Boys Volleyball Association, the number of schools with boys club teams has grown from nearly none to over 30—a grassroots effort that continues to build momentum.

Whether just starting out or aiming for national-level play, Hustle Factory Volleyball Club is helping young athletes grow in skill, confidence, and character—one serve at a time.

Hustle Factory Girls Summer Volleyball Camps (age 11-14)

Intermediate Camp 1: June 3-5
Positionals Camp 2: July 15-17

Hustle Factory Girls Advanced Summer Volleyball Camp (age 15-18)

Camp 1 - June 24-26
Camp 2 - July 22-24

Apex Boys Volleyball Summer Camp: July 29-31

Both volleyball clubs play at The Hustle Factory Sports Complex: 5191 Joe Peay Rd, Spring Hill

Learn more about Apex Boys / Hustle Factory Girls Volleyball Summer Camps and Register Here

Zebra on the Run: Pet Escapes, Shuts Down I-24 in Rutherford County

A pet zebra was on the loose off Interstate 24 yesterday - the report in the video above states that the animal was captured… although the Sheriff’s office has not shared an update on social media.

From Rutherford County Sheriff’s post around 4 PM Saturday…

UPDATED POST: The zebra search continues.

The zebra escaped into a wooded area off Interstate 24 between Joe B. Jackson Parkway and the Epps Mill Road exits Saturday afternoon and could not be located.

Owners obtained the zebra Friday night.

They are still searching for their lost animal.

People who spot the zebra are asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 615-898-7770 to report the location.

ORIGINAL POST: A pet zebra on the loose is wreaking havoc on Interstate 24 near Joe B. Jackson Parkway in Rutherford County.

Sheriff’s deputies had to close the interstate because the zebra was running through traffic on both sides of the highway.

Westbound lanes are now open.

Eastbound lanes just opened after the zebra disappeared into the woods.

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