Saint Francis Strong: One Year Later
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — NewsChannel 8 took a look back at the past year, the victims and survivors of the mass shooting at Saint Francis Hospital, and how it's affected the community as a whole.
WATCH:
Thursday, June 1st marks the one-year anniversary of the deadly mass shooting at the Saint Francis Natalie Building that claimed the lives of five people in 2022. It was a day that would forever change the Saint Francis family and the Tulsa community.
It was just before 5 p.m. that an armed man walked into his doctor's office and started shooting. He killed four people in a matter of minutes before taking his own life.
Investigators say, Dr. Preston Phillips, the shooter's orthopedic surgeon who had performed his back surgery just weeks before, was the intended target. The shooter, identified as Michael Louis, blamed the doctor for his continued pain and actually saw Dr. Phillips the day before to seek more treatment before going on the rampage Wednesday.
Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin said investigators found a letter from Louis, in which he said he intended to kill his surgeon and anyone who got in his way.
Dr. Stephanie Husen, receptionist Amanda Glenn, and William Love, a patient at the office that day, all lost their lives.
Police said there were no other injuries from the gunfire, though some were hurt running from the scene.
Multiple people were rescued, including a woman found hiding under a desk at the feet of the dead suspect.
TIMELINE OF EVENTS:
MORE ON THE VICTIMS:
Dr. Preston Phillips, 59
A 1990 graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Preston Phillips completed two fellowships at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston in 1986 and 1996. Dr. Phillips earned advanced degrees in organic chemistry and pharmacology, as well as theology from Emory University. Dr. Phillips worked as a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with an interest in spinal surgery, joint reconstruction – including joint replacement, and the treatment of fractures.
Dr. Cliff Robertson, president and CEO of Saint Francis Health System, called Phillips' death "the ultimate loss for Saint Francis and for Tulsa."
Dr. Stephanie Husen, 48
Dr. Stephanie Husen was a sports and internal medicine specialist with the Warren Clinic in Tulsa. She graduated from the Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Services medical school in 2000 and completed her residency at Greenville Memorial Hospital in South Carolina.
Dr. Husen completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Oklahoma and was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. The chapter shared the following message on Facebook following the tragedy:
"Today we mourn the loss of one of our own members of PC'92. Our hearts are with the family and loved ones who lost such an incredible woman. She was known and loved by so many and will always be remembered. No words could ever take away the pain of those affected, but know that we are here in full support and will continue to pray."
Below is a statement provided to NewsChannel 8 on behalf of Dr. Husen's family:
Amanda Dawn Glenn, 40
Amanda Glenn's family describes her as a full-devoted wife and mother, loving sister, and daughter. A true servant's heart, Amanda always put everyone else first. She was the happiest just being with her family, with the most amazing love for her boys and husband. Amanda worked in the medical field for over 18 years. Her family says she always had the brightest smile and kindest spirit. She is survived by her husband, Jonathan Glenn, and two sons, Gabe Glenn and Ian Glenn.
Glenn's family provided this statement for the anniversary of her death:
It’s really hard to describe Amanda in the past tense. She’s still so very much a part of us. Especially her boys - we see glimpses of her in them; Ian’s big smile & Gabe’s cute nose. Even in their actions & personalities. We love that! The courage & strength they both have shown over this year is a testament to how they were raised. Both Amanda & Beau were always so intentional. They don’t give up on anything & they show up even if when it’s hard. Boys will be boys, but these boys - they’re so precious. Not afraid to be sensitive & affectionate. They were raised by parents that never stopped falling in love. What an amazing example they got to witness daily. Honestly Beau & Amanda had the perfect marriage - he’s so lost without her. They grew up together & learned all about how to adult & handle the hard things- but always together. They depended on each other so much. Her for Beau’s unconditional love & attention & him, well for Amanda’s everything. & she did everything! But she wanted to & it made her so happy to take care of all the things. When we say she’s a *helper* we don’t mean that she was constantly working - it’s more than that, Amanda is a natural nurturer, she was happiest when she was taking care of other people. We miss planning holidays - our group chat with Mom on who brings what & who makes what. & how everyone should grab Hawaiian rolls because we know our kids. Holidays were hard this year - all those firsts. We didn’t skip any of them, but they were different. We spent more time outside - keeping our minds busy. Making new memories, but always remembering Amanda. She’s such a big part of our family. Her laugh filled the whole house - she has the best laugh & she was blessed with boys & a husband that loved to make her laugh. We miss her so much! I don’t think it feels real yet - it’s impossible to make it make sense. Everyone is still healing & trying to create a new normal. Missing her from ballgames, missing her meals, missing her guidance & support. Missing the fact that the one person that instinctively knew what you needed is gone & you don’t even know what you need. & then life goes on - people get back to their routines, but your routine is different & will never be the same. & maybe you’ll always ask ‘why’. It’s not fair! But the good news is we will see her again & that is what keeps the boys going. Knowing she’s waiting & perhaps getting everything in order as she always did - she’s taking care of all the details. Sticky notes everywhere to remind her what needs to be done to help prepare a place for her family. & one day we’ll all be together again & what a day that will be! Until then - Amanda is our Angel & how amazing to imagine your mom walking with Jesus - waiting.
William Love, 73
William Love was married to Deborah Love on August 13th, 1967. He was a retired Army First Sergeant with 27 years of service. He served one tour in Vietnam. William loved traveling and spending time with his family. He is survived by his brother, James Love, daughters and their spouses, Karen Love and John Wood, Cheryl and Bobby Lowry, along with eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Love's family would like us to share that at the time of the shooting, he heard the gunshots and knew his wife would not be able to escape the building on her own. He sacrificed his life for her.