Megan Hiatt's life changed irrevocably on a fateful November day nearly a decade ago when a domestic dispute culminated in an unspeakable tragedy.
Following years of recovery from severe injuries and personal loss, Megan Hiatt is now preparing to expand her family through natural or adopted means, the New York Post reported.
On November 13, 2015, Hiatt attempted to leave her abusive partner, Gawain Rushane Wilson, with hopes of a safer future. During this life-altering confrontation, Wilson fatally shot their twin daughters, Hiatt's father, and ultimately himself. This deadly encounter left Megan grappling with immense physical and emotional scars.
Hiatt was shot seven times during the incident, suffering critical wounds across her body. She endured injuries to her chest, abdomen, and limbs, the severity of which led to the loss of her left eye. The battle for her life was just beginning as she faced an arduous journey towards recovery.
Over the next nine years, Megan underwent 50 surgical procedures. These operations were crucial for her to regain some semblance of physical independence. "I’m completely physically independent, and that has been such a complete blessing. It took me nine years, but it was worth every second of it," Hiatt said, reflecting on her long road to recovery.
Despite the physical and emotional toll, Hiatt's experiences fueled her determination to help others facing similar plights. She turned her pain into purpose by working as a project manager for the eGrab Foundation, focusing on providing housing for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.
Megan's personal life also saw new beginnings. She found love again and married Joseph Johnson in 2021. Together, the couple is exploring the possibility of expanding their family. They are considering both natural conception, with the help of a GoFundMe to cover potential in vitro fertilization costs, and adoption.
"Joe and I would like to adopt a few children who lost their main caregiver to domestic violence," Hiatt shared, expressing a deep commitment to providing a loving home to children affected by similar traumas.
Megan recollects the harrowing day with a chilling detail, describing how Wilson declared his murderous intentions as they were feeding their twin daughters. "He told me, ‘I am going to murder your dad, and you’re going to watch. I’ll show what's over, bitch,'" she recounted. Her father's last acts were selfless attempts to protect his family, absorbing as many bullets as he could to spare his daughter and granddaughters from further harm.
At one moment, facing the inevitability of their situation, Hiatt acknowledged, “At this point, I know we’re going to die,” reflecting the direness of their circumstances. Yet, even in those last moments, her thoughts were with her father, to whom she sorrowfully apologized as he lay dying.
Now, years removed from the shooting, Megan looks forward rather than dwelling on her past tragedies. "I can’t keep living in the past, because I will never get to live the second chance I’ve got," she explained, focusing on her future and the new life she’s building.
Surviving such profound loss and enduring countless surgeries would dim many spirits, but Hiatt finds strength in her faith and the supportive community around her. “What gives me hope is my faith. Everyone needs to find hope in something, and I hope that I will one day get to hug my daughters again — to see my father again," she opined, sharing her emotional and spiritual resilience.
Megan's story is not just one of loss and tragedy but also profound courage and an unyielding commitment to advocacy. As she plans for the future, her journey continues to inspire and advocate for those affected by domestic violence, demonstrating the transformative power of hope and healing.
