‘It’s staggering’: Families of HVAC techs killed in SC mass shooting grateful for support

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — James Lewis and Robert Shook were HVAC technicians who were working on Dr. Robert Lesslie’s home last week in York County when they were shot and killed.

Both families told Channel 9′s Gaston County reporter Ken Lemon they are grieving, but they are comforted by the tremendous outpouring of support.

“It’s staggering how much support we have gotten,” Lewis’ mother Linda Tucker said. “The amount of help we have gotten has been overwhelming. We have been so blessed.”

Shook, 38, and Lewis, 39, were working at the Lesslies’ home when they were both shot. Officials said Lewis died at the scene and Shook was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, where he died three days later.

Lesslie and his wife, Barbara Lesslie, 69, were pronounced dead at the scene along with grandchildren Adah Lesslie, 9, and Noah Lesslie, 5.

After Shook was shot, he was able to call his boss for help, and his boss called 911. He was then flown to a hospital in Charlotte, where his family said he underwent several surgeries.

Shook’s family said they were stunned by his death. He made it through the critical first day of recovery, but they said the injuries were too much.

On Monday, a family member told Channel 9, “We can’t thank you enough for the prayers, love and support from all over the world.”

Both Shook and Lewis worked for GSM Services as heating and air technicians and since the shooting, people have rushed to help the families of the two men.

Last Friday, the company started a GoFundMe for both men with a goal of $50,000.

As of Tuesday morning, they had raised nearly $250,000. The money goes directly into the accounts of the families of the two men, both fathers of three children.

“You don’t realize just how much that helps,” Tucker said. “I lost my only son. Please be good to each other. Kiss your family. Let everybody know how important they are to you often because you never know.”

In addition, Gaston Memorial Garden donated a plot for Lewis and free burial services.

‘I keep expecting to wake up’: HVAC tech, father of 3 killed in SC mass shooting

Cox Media Group