Nippers holds benefit for shooting victim's family

Numerous people gather to help family of Zachariah Tipton

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Two days after a man was shot and killed outside of Nippers Bar and Grille in Jacksonville Beach, countless people came together together to help his family.

Zachariah Tipton, 40, was killed Thursday night after several men got into a fight in the parking lot outside.  He leaves behind a wife and three children.

The music was going and the restaurant was in full swing Saturday, but it felt different because the focus is on helping Tipton's family.

"What I do know is when there's a wife and children involved," said owner Rudy Theal. "If we can do something to help, we want to do that."

Heather Schieferle-Preysz was there the night of the shooting and helped organize the fundraiser. She, too, lost her husband suddenly several years ago.

Zachariah Tipton's photo on wall of Redneck Yacht Club

"A man's life was taken. He left behind a wife and three children," said Schieferle-Preysz. "The support for that, regardless of any of the circumstances is -- what if that was me? That did happen to me."

For those at Nippers, Saturday night is also about moving forward. They're very thankful for all the support.

Theal said his top priority for Saturday night was for his customers to feel safe. He hired several off-duty officers with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office to keep an eye on the place during the fundraiser.

The restaurant said it is donating a percentage of their sales Saturday night to the family. There is also a donation table where people can directly donate cash. Donations can be made to any VySstar credit union using account number 7504785420.


About the Author:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.