Suspect who killed wife and their six kids revealed to be American Heart Association VP who lost his job weeks earlier

Suspect who killed wife and their six kids revealed to be American Heart Association VP who lost his job weeks earlier The family’s pets also died from fire and smoke exposure - Bookmark A Michigan father, who police say killed his family before taking his own life, has been identified as a former American Heart Association executive who lost his job weeks earlier, a family friend revealed. Kristopher Karolkiewicz, 47, was found dead Friday inside the family’s home in Grand Haven Township alongside his wife, Amanda “Mandy” Karolkiewicz, 39, the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to The Independent. Firefighters first responded to the home Friday morning after reports of smoke but found no fire. They returned hours later after white smoke was spotted and discovered the family members dead inside. The couple’s six children, including four biological boys ages 15, 12, 11 and 5 and two 11-year-old girls adopted from China as infants, were also found dead inside the home. Mandy and her daughters had returned from a China trip just days before the killings, local outlet 13 On Your Side reported. Autopsies determined all eight family members died from gunshot wounds, authorities said. The deaths of Amanda and the children were ruled homicides, while Kristopher’s death was ruled a suicide. The fire was intentionally set in multiple areas of the home after the killings, and the family’s pets died from fire and smoke exposure, investigators said. Kristopher Karolkiewicz worked remotely as the National American Heart Association’s vice president of sales and marketing beginning in September 2023, the association confirmed to The Independent. The organization said his “employment ended” earlier this month. The American Heart Association said it does not comment on personnel matters due to company policy. However, a family friend told 13 On Your Side that Karolkiewicz had been fired from his position. “As an organization with professional staff who are dedicated to helping others, we are devastated by the news out of Grand Haven, and our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragedy,” the American Heart Association told The Independent in a statement. Family spokesperson Emily Jones recalled Mandy Karolkiewicz as spunk as she spoke after her death. “She was just somebody that you loved whenever they walked in the room because your day was about to be better,” Emily Jones said, according to WOOD-TV. Mandy Karolkiewicz was remembered as a beloved substitute teacher who worked with students in Grand Haven Area schools. "Mandy goes above and beyond for students, especially when they’re having a hard day, responding with empathy, patience, and care. She pours her heart into her work, is always willing to help wherever needed, and helps make Peach Plains a better place to learn and work," a Facebook post praising her work earlier this year reads. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.