Friends and family mourned Heather Heyer, 32, of Charlottesville, Va., who was killed in Saturday’s car attack after a protest involving white nationalists in the college town.
Heyer, a 2003 graduate of William Monroe High School in Stanardsville, Va., was a legal assistant at Miller Law Group in Charlottesville.
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Speaking Sunday on NBC's Meet the Press, Charlottesville Mayor Michael Signer said Heyer was one of three people killed Saturday, along with Virginia State Police Lt. Jay Cullen and Trooper-Pilot Berke Bates. The Associated Press also identified Heyer as the victim of in the car attack. The two troopers died hours later when a state police helicopter crashed south of Charlottesville.
Healing starts now. Glad to join Mt Zion 1st African Baptist for this morning's service in Charlottesville. pic.twitter.com/bRAXGYapzr
— Terry McAuliffe (@GovernorVA) August 13, 2017
"Our hearts are grieving right now," Signer said. "Three people died who didn't need to die."
Friends said Heyer was fun-loving but also outspoken about her views against racism.
“She always stands up for what she believes in, and we had spoken about mixed race couples and families,” said Lauren Moon, who has been friends with Heyer since third grade.
Stopped by the Charlottesville emergency operations center to hear the latest from CPD Chief Thomas and his dedicated team. pic.twitter.com/oYco3KduOl
— Terry McAuliffe (@GovernorVA) August 13, 2017
Moon said the bubbly paralegal was known for enjoying time with friends and recently helped another friend through a bankruptcy filing.
“She was great at handling all the legal stuff and paperwork,” Moon said. “It’s surreal. I heard the car took someone’s life, but I never could have imagined it was someone I knew and grew up with.”
A biography on the Miller Law website calls Heyer, “an irreplaceable asset to our firm” in the bankruptcy department for the last four years.
My heart goes out to Heather Heyer's family. She died standing up against hate & bigotry. Her bravery should inspire all to come together. pic.twitter.com/1Zbi2D2Vgq
— Terry McAuliffe (@GovernorVA) August 13, 2017
“Heather was born and raised in the beautiful state of Virginia,” the biography reads, “Originally from Ruckersville, Va., Heather now resides here in Charlottesville.”
Jess Stafford, a 2004 graduate of William Monroe said news spread quickly Saturday about Heyer’s death.
“We are all a part of a very tight knit community,” Stafford told USA TODAY. “Our entire town is mourning her loss and surrounding her family with our love and condolences.”
