Abigail Kopf: Where is Jason Dalton’s Survivor Now? (2024)

The Kalamazoo shootings, a horrifying event that unfolded on February 20, 2016, shook the community as Jason Brian Dalton went on a senseless shooting spree, claiming six lives. Amidst the tragedy, Abigail Kopf emerged as one of the two survivors, enduring grievous injuries that demanded extensive hospitalization. Appearing on ABC’s ’20/20: The Deadly Ride,’ Abigail bravely recounted the details of that night, shedding light on the impact it had on her life. The shootings prompted heightened awareness about public safety and the potential dangers associated with ride-sharing services. The Kalamazoo community rallied together in the aftermath, emphasizing the importance of resilience and support in the face of such events.

What Happened to Abigail Kopf?

On the evening of February 20, 2016, Abigail attended a Chinese acrobat show in Kalamazoo alongside Barbara Hawthorne, whom Abigail regarded as a grandmother figure. Accompanying them were three additional companions of Barbara: Mary Jo Nye, Mary Lou Nye, and Dorothy Brown AKA Judy. Following the show, the group proceeded to have dinner at a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Texas Township. At approximately 10 pm, Jason Dalton arrived at the Cracker Barrel parking lot. As the group was leaving the restaurant and seated in the car, he approached Mary Lou Nye, asking her a question before shooting her and her sister-in-law, Mary Jo Nye.

Subsequently, he targeted the adjacent car where Abigail, Barbara, and Judy were sitting, opening fire on them as well. Barbara, displaying quick thinking, pushed Abigail to safety under a seat, a decision that ultimately spared Abigail from the immediate danger. Upon the arrival of the police, Abigail was found unconscious with a gunshot wound to her head. While Barbara provided information on how to contact Abigail’s parents, she succumbed to her injuries from the gunshot wounds. Vicki Kopf, Abigail’s mother, received a phone call at nearly midnight, informing her that Abigail had been shot in the head. Rushing to the Bronson Methodist Hospital, the family discovered Abigail in the ICU, and within a couple of hours, the monitor flatlined.

Facing the heartbreaking scene of doctors and nurses administering CPR, Vicki found it difficult to watch and requested them to stop, preparing herself to say goodbye. Convinced that Abigail might not survive, they took her off the ventilator. However, in a surprising turn of events, Abigail clutched her mother’s hand, and a faint heartbeat became audible. Reacting quickly, Vicki called the medical staff back, and they resumed tending to Abigail. The following days were critical for Abigail, and she remained reliant on the ventilator until February 23. However, by February 28, she showed progress and was able to breathe on her own.

On March 3, Abigail opened her eyes, and on March 8, she was transferred to the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. Despite the positive strides, she had to return to Bronson Methodist Hospital due to damage to a part of her skull caused by the shooting. A metal plate was implanted to address the issue. She was eventually discharged from the hospital in July 2016. Facing challenges, including a skin infection in August 2016, Abigail underwent further surgery, which was promptly resolved.

Abigail Kopf is Leading a Healthy Life Today

In a 2019 interview, Abigail revealed that certain parts of her childhood were blank, with only a few pre-shooting memories retained. Even after emerging from the coma, she experienced memory issues, frequently forgetting recent events and asking her mother the same questions multiple times. Abigail expressed that she no longer feels normal, grappling with the inability to perform activities like riding a bike and doing cartwheels, which were once second nature to her. Finding out about Barbara’s death deeply saddened Abigail, and she expressed enduring gratitude for the woman who played a crucial role in her survival that fateful night.

Recognizing that it was Barbara’s quick thinking that saved her life, Abigail couldn’t bear to dwell on the actions of Jason Dalton. At times, she even contemplated the idea of trading places with him, hoping he could comprehend all that she had endured. Despite the challenges, Abigail has managed to reclaim aspects of a normal life, showcasing remarkable resilience. She regained the ability to walk, talk, and eat, returning to her studies and attending her homecoming dance in a beautiful purple dress in 2017. Abigail’s journey stands as a testament to courage, recovery, and inspiration for all who hear her story.

Read More:Tiana Carruthers: Where is Jason Dalton’s Survivor Now?

Abigail Kopf: Where is Jason Dalton’s Survivor Now? (2024)

FAQs

Where is Jason Dalton now? ›

Jason Dalton is now serving life in prison after being convicted in 2019. Matt Mellen filed a lawsuit against Uber and Jason Dalton in September 2021.

What is the story of Jason Dalton? ›

Jason Dalton will forever be remembered as a Kalamazoo Uber driver who killed six people and gravely injured two others in a daylong shooting spree. But before that fateful day on Feb. 20, 2016, Dalton lead an ordinary life with no criminal record.

Who is Jason Dalton's wife? ›

Where is Dalton Keene now? ›

Houston Texans

What happened to the Uber killer? ›

Nearly three years after driving an Uber around Kalamazoo, Michigan, and randomly shooting and killing six people, Jason Dalton was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without parole.

What is the history of the Dalton Brothers? ›

The Dalton brothers were now professional outlaws. Between May 1891 and July 1892 they robbed four trains in Indian Territory. On May 9, 1891, the men held up a Santa Fe train at Wharton (now Perry). They only got away with several hundred dollars, but they had worked well as a team.

What insurance company did Jason Dalton work for? ›

In his late 20s, Dalton got into insurance, and Jamieson said knowing auto body work helped him in his new profession. He held down jobs at State Farm and Progressive insurance companies, and eventually went to work for himself as an independent insurance adjuster who worked on contract for other companies.

What is the story of John Dalton? ›

John Dalton (1766-1844) was an English chemist, physicist, and meteorologist, best known for introducing the atomic theory into chemistry and for his work on human optics.

Who is Jason's new wife? ›

Jason and Medea. The Argonauts returned to Iolcus with the Golden Fleece, bringing with them Jason's new wife, the Colchian princess Medea (who was also a witch). Jason suspected that his uncle would not hand over the kingship, so the group stayed outside the city while trying to figure out what to do.

Who is Jason married to now? ›

Jason married British soap star Roxanne Pallett in late January 2020.

Who is Jason and model girlfriend? ›

Although he got very emotional about their split during the series five reunion, Jason went on to date model Marie-Lou Nürk, but they announced their split in May 2023.

Where is Ron Dalton now? ›

Ron is now co-president of Innocence Canada, where he has volunteered for over a decade, raising awareness and advocating on behalf of other wrongfully convicted persons.

Where is Dalton Hayes now? ›

NOTICE: Offender data newer than 120 days might not have been finalized
Name:HAYES, DALTON Active InmateOffender Photo (Click image to enlarge)
Parole Eligibility Date:1/01/2025
Maximum Expiration of Sentence Date:12/31/2038
Location:Western KY Corr. Complex
Age:27
12 more rows

Who was the serial killer in the Uber driver in Kalamazoo? ›

Six people were killed, and two others were injured. Kalamazoo, Richland Township and Texas Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, U.S. Police detained a 45-year-old Uber driver, Jason Brian Dalton, in the shootings. He was subsequently charged with murder, assault, and criminal firearm use two days after the shootings.

Does Kalamazoo have Uber? ›

Yes. The Uber app gives you the power to request a ride to get around Kalamazoo anytime, 24/7.

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