Deaths

Woman Killed During Charlottesville Protest Was A Paralegal

Authorities have now identified the sole fatality in the incident as Heather Heyer, a paralegal in the bankruptcy division of the Miller Law Group.

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Heather Heyer

Unless you completely unplugged and took up residence in a cave, you’ve probably heard about the alt-right protest in Charlottesville, Virginia, this weekend and the corresponding counter-protests that turned deadly. Horrific video footage shows a Dodge Challenger running into a group of protesters and then fleeing the scene, leaving 19 injured and one person dead. Police have already arrested an alleged Nazi sympathizer, James Alex Fields, in connection with the crime and charged him with second-degree murder, three counts of malicious wounding, and failing to stop at the scene of a crash that resulted in a death.

Authorities have now identified the sole fatality in the incident as Heather Heyer, a paralegal in the bankruptcy division of the Miller Law Group. It seems Heyer’s personality, rather than an extensive background in the legal industry, is what made her a valued asset to the team, as reported by the New York Times:

[Manager of the bankruptcy division, Alfred A.] Wilson hired Ms. Heyer at the recommendation of a friend. She had a high school diploma but did not have a background in law. Instead, she was working as a bartender and waitress, but he said she had an eye for detail and was “a people person.”

“If you can get people to open up to you, that’s what I need,” he told her. “I’ll teach you everything about the law you need to know.”

Heyer’s bio on the firm’s website — usually a dry recitation of qualifications — describes a professional that went out of her way to make connections with clients:

For over four years Heather has played an essential role in our bankruptcy department and office as a whole. Heather works closely with clients to assist and ensure that although the bankruptcy filing process may seem confusing and cumbersome, our office and staff are here to help them every step of the way. Heather possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in the bankruptcy field and works closely with our clients to guarantee a positive experience in what is sometimes a stressful situation.

Since news of her death has spread, Heyer’s mother has come out and said she is proud of her daughter, and that taking a stand against racism and hatred was a defining characteristic of her daughter. In a social media post that has become poetic after Heyer’s tragic death, her final words on Facebook were, “If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention.”

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