‘Totally in disbelief’: Father of girl allegedly drowned by mother in Drakes Creek grieves

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A father told News 2 that, without his daughter, his house no longer feels like a home.

Seven-year-old Piper Elliott was reportedly drowned by her mother in Drakes Creek last month.

“She loved music and dancing,” her father, Jon Elliott, said.

It’s an unthinkable tragedy.

“She loved to give people hugs and make people smile,” Jon said. “Everywhere we went. She would hug cashiers and tell them about our day.”

A memorial for Piper has been set up on the banks of Drakes Creek. Police said that her mom, Brandi Elliott, held her underwater until she drowned.

Jon was in the hospital for an unrelated condition when officers told him the news.

“I was shocked,” Jon said. “I was totally in disbelief ’cause her mom was a momma bear times one hundred. She was even overprotective at times, so for her to do something is a complete shock to me.”

Brandi appeared in court and told the judge she was have a rough day and had previously suffered from postpartum depression. Jon is now dealing with the loss of his daughter.

“She used to bring life to the house and that made it a home,” he said. “Now, it’s just a place.”

As of publication, Brandi is being held in the Sumner County jail after being charged with first-degree murder. The death penalty is an option for the state.

“I’m doing okay,” Jon said. “Going to find some groups at a church — support groups — to help me get through all of it. It’s pretty rough right now.”

Community members have also reached out to Jon. Some people have lit up their homes pink, Piper’s favorite color. The Parks and Recreation team hopes to build a bench at the Drakes Creek site in her honor.

“It’s nice that everybody remembers her and wants to keep her memory alive,” Jon said.

Jon said that he hopes everyone wears pink or tie-dye to her funeral . It’s Saturday, August 17 at 2 p.m. at Sumner County Funeral & Cremation Lakeside.

In lieu of flowers, people are encouraged to donate to Live, Love Nashville, a non-profit dedicated to making sure that Nashville children have basic necessities like food, clothing and school supplies. You can also plant a memorial tree or send a card.

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