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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: Hustle Factory Volleyball’s Rapid Rise in Just 3 Years

🦓 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: Hustle Factory / Apex Volleyball’s Rapid Rise in Just 3 Years

In a sport where access can be limited by cost and location, Tim Cooper is helping reshape the landscape for young athletes in the Maury County area. As the director/owner/coach of Apex Boys Volleyball Club and Director of Hustle Factory Volleyball Club, Cooper is growing more than just a program—he’s building a community where kids can thrive on and off the court.

What began three years ago as a two-team girls club has expanded into a dynamic program with 15 total teams and seasonal beginner leagues. With 130 to 160 kids participating throughout the year, the club’s reach has quickly multiplied, reflecting a strong demand for both accessibility and quality training in the region.

Affordability and opportunity are core to Hustle Factory’s mission. Before the club started, families in Columbia often had to travel over 30 minutes to find a competitive volleyball program, many of which came with a high price tag. Cooper made it his goal to change that—bringing quality coaching, competitive play, and developmental leagues within closer reach for families who previously had limited options.

But it’s not just about spiking volleyballs and winning games. The club’s philosophy centers on holistic growth. Players aren’t just challenged to become better athletes—they’re encouraged to become “world changers.” That means learning how to communicate effectively, navigate conflict, advocate for themselves, and build character through relationships with their coaches and teammates.

Tim Cooper coaching the Hustle Factory girls volleyball club

The program is already full of inspiring success stories. One 16-year-old student-athlete named Lily came in with no competitive sports experience. After joining Hustle Factory’s beginner camps, she went on to become a starting player on both her high school and club teams. Another 11-year-old, who initially joined as a practice player, later made her school team and returned to Hustle Factory as a starter.

Tim’s passion for volleyball is rooted in his own journey. He didn’t play sports seriously until high school, where positive coaching experiences helped him grow from an insecure teen into a confident athlete. As an adult, he discovered volleyball by chance while walking his dog past the sand courts at Centennial Park in Nashville, and the connection stuck. Over the years, he’s coached internationally and across the U.S., now channeling that experience into building a stronger, more inclusive local program.

Hustle Factory’s coaching team is just as committed. Coaches are selected not only for their volleyball knowledge, but for their dedication to developing players as people. Many, like Coach Cassie Johnson and even local business owner Joey from Joey’s Italian Ice, have made a significant impact on players’ growth, both on the court and in life.

This summer, the program is expanding its offerings with a full lineup of camps for different age groups and skill levels. The beginner summer league (which filled up quickly with 50 kids) introduces younger players to the sport, while intermediate and advanced camps offer deeper skill development for athletes ages 10 to 18. Plans for the fall include up to 15 girls teams, four boys teams, and a new national-level team designed for athletes pursuing elite competition.

Cooper is also a leading voice for boys volleyball in Tennessee, where it is not yet a sanctioned high school sport. Through the Tennessee Boys Volleyball Association, he’s helped grow the sport from nearly nonexistent to more than 30 schools offering club teams. It’s a grassroots movement that’s gaining traction—and one that he’s proud to be part of.

Whether your child is new to volleyball or ready to compete at a higher level, 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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