In Loving Memory of Eddie Ray Hill
In the early morning hours of May 12, 2026, a tragic and violent incident at Texarkana Aluminum in Nash, Texas left a community shaken, families grieving, and lives forever changed. What began as an ordinary workday morning turned into an unimaginable scene of loss at approximately 6:37 a.m., when law enforcement responded to reports of a shooting in the company’s parking lot at 300 Alumax Drive.
Authorities later confirmed the deaths of two adult males: Eddie Ray Hill Jr., 48, of Texarkana, Texas, and Wendell Lane Champion Jr., 40, of Hope, Arkansas. An additional victim, Candis Jolene Champion, 37, was critically injured and transported to a local hospital, where she remains in stable condition.
This page serves as both a tribute to Eddie Ray Hill Jr. and a somber reflection on the events that unfolded that morning.
In Loving Memory of Eddie Ray Hill Jr.
Eddie Ray Hill Jr. is being remembered as a hardworking man whose life ended in an act of sudden and senseless violence. At 48 years old, Eddie was in the midst of his daily routine—arriving at work like countless other mornings—when he became tragically entangled in a domestic conflict that had nothing to do with him.
According to preliminary findings, Eddie was not part of the underlying dispute. He was a coworker and bystander who, upon arriving at the scene, attempted to intervene when he encountered a volatile situation involving individuals he knew through the workplace environment. That moment of intervention proved fatal.
Eddie’s passing has left a deep void among family, friends, and coworkers who knew him as a dependable presence and a man committed to his responsibilities. Those who worked alongside him now remember him not only for his labor, but for his willingness to step forward in a moment of crisis—an act that ultimately cost him his life.
In the wake of tragedy, Eddie Ray Hill Jr. is being honored for his humanity, his courage, and the life he lived before that morning changed everything.
The Events of May 12, 2026
Investigators with the Nash Police Department confirmed that the incident appears to stem from a domestic-related conflict involving Wendell Lane Champion Jr. and his wife, Candis Jolene Champion, who is an employee at Texarkana Aluminum.
Preliminary reports indicate that when Eddie Ray Hill Jr. arrived at the location for work, he encountered the unfolding situation and attempted to intervene. During the confrontation, he was fatally shot.
The suspect then shot his wife, critically injuring her. Wendell Lane Champion Jr. later died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities have stated that no additional suspects are being sought, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Remembering Wendell Lane Champion Jr.
While Wendell Lane Champion Jr. is identified as the suspect in this incident, authorities have confirmed that he also died at the scene. Investigators have noted his prior criminal history, including a 2010 conviction for first-degree murder in Harris County, Texas, and his release on parole in 2025.
Law enforcement continues to examine the circumstances that led to the tragic events, including the domestic situation at the center of the investigation.
However, the focus for the community remains on understanding the loss of life and supporting the surviving victim and grieving families rather than the actions that led to this outcome.
Candis Jolene Champion: A Survivor in Recovery
Candis Jolene Champion, 37, survived the attack and is currently receiving medical care at a Texarkana-area hospital. Officials report that she remains in stable condition.
Her survival adds another layer of pain and complexity to an already devastating incident. Loved ones and community members are rallying in support of her recovery as she faces both physical healing and emotional trauma in the aftermath of the shooting.
A Community in Shock
The events at Texarkana Aluminum have deeply affected coworkers, families, and residents across Nash, Texarkana, and surrounding communities. A workplace—normally associated with routine, safety, and structure—became the setting of a sudden act of violence that no one present will soon forget.
For many, the loss of Eddie Ray Hill Jr. is especially painful because of the circumstances surrounding his death. He was not a participant in the domestic dispute, but rather a person who found himself in the wrong place at the worst possible moment.
His death has sparked reflection on courage, vulnerability, and how quickly ordinary moments can turn tragic.
Ongoing Investigation
The Nash Police Department continues to investigate the full circumstances of the incident. Officials have emphasized that all findings are preliminary and subject to further review as evidence is analyzed and witness statements are gathered.
Authorities have also extended appreciation to responding agencies and medical personnel for their rapid response and support during the emergency.
In Closing
The names Eddie Ray Hill Jr. and Wendell Lane Champion Jr. are now permanently tied to a tragic morning in Nash, Texas—one marked by loss, shock, and unanswered questions.
But beyond the incident reports and investigations, there remains the human truth of what was lost:
- A coworker who never made it through his workday
- A family mourning a man taken too soon
- A survivor fighting to recover
- And a community searching for understanding in the aftermath of violence
Rest in Peace, Eddie Ray Hill Jr.
Your life mattered, your presence mattered, and your memory will be carried forward by those who knew and loved you.
May those affected by this tragedy find strength, healing, and support in the difficult days ahead.
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