Owner of Azana Salon & Spa talks in wake of the mass shooting

BROOKFIELD -- The owner of Azana Salon & Spa read a statement on Tuesday, October 23rd in the wake of the mass shooting at her Brookfield business.

45-year-old Radcliffe Haughton walked into the spa on Sunday, October 21st and opened fire. In the process, he killed his wife Zina Haughton, Cary Robuck of Racine and Maelyn Lind of Oconomowoc. Four others were wounded by the gunfire and taken to Froedtert Hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds.

On Tuesday afternoon, Tami Gemmell thanked emergency responders for their quick response to the situation unfolding inside the salon early Sunday afternoon. She also thanked the Milwaukee County Transit System and Salvation Army for helping to making sure employees and their family members had a place to meet and support each other throughout the day.

"Our hearts are broken over the loss of our colleagues," Gemmell said.

Gemmel said the victims in this case were heroic in their actions and they protected each other to the end.

Azana Salon & Spa shooting victims

Gemmell talked about each of the three women who were killed in the mass shooting at her spa.

Of Zina Haughton, Gemmell said she was one of the hardest workers Gemmell has ever known. She said Zina loved doing hair and "gave her heart and soul to her clients." She said Zina was an extraordinary mother and a friend to many.

Gemmell said of Cary Robuck, she "was the biggest sweetheart" and lived for her daughter and family.

Gemmell said Maelyn Lind was "an amazing mother and a new grandmother. She was so cheerful and always smiling."

Gemmell talked about the survivors of the mass shooting in her statement saying: "We pray for their families, their children and other cherished loved ones -- that they will find comfort in each other and purpose in the unthinkable."

Gemmell said she is grateful for the care the survivors have gotten at Froedtert Hospital -- hopes they will heal quickly as they recover from the physical and emotional trauma of Sunday's tragedy.

Gemmell also addressed the spa's clients in her statement, saying: "We know this is a big loss for you as well."

Gemmell said the relationship between a stylist and a nail tech is unique and personal. She mentioned to clients: "All of us at Azana want you to know that we are there for you and we share in your loss."

Gemmell said her top priority is for the employees, clients and their loved ones. She said, "Buildings can be restored, equipment can be replaced, but the human loss can never be measured. The impact on the human spirit cannot be underestimated."

Gemmell also made mention of the fund that has been created in the wake of the mass shooting to benefit the Azana Salon & Spa victims. Donations can be made at any Associated Bank branch, or mailed to 1 N. Moorland Road, Brookfield, WI 53005. Anyone with questions can also call 262-784-3370.

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