Exclusive: Horan Family Grants First Interview Since Officer's Death

A Grief-Filled Journey: The Horan Family's Story

Seven months have passed since Greensboro police Officer Mike Horan was tragically shot and killed while responding to a call for service at a grocery store on Lawndale Drive. His family, including his wife, parents, and sister, have shared their deeply personal experiences with the loss and the journey of healing.

Courtney Horan, Mike’s wife, described the first six months as a blur, but she remembers specific details about the day her husband died. Their last conversation was about planning Christmas dinner, where Mike was worried about the side dishes and what they would eat. Their discussion was hurried because Courtney had a work call, and Mike said he had another call coming in. She reassured him that they would figure it out, saying they would have turkey and ham, and the rest would come together. That was the last time she spoke to him.

An hour later, their 13-year-old son, Nate, called her, telling her there were two police officers at their door. She knew something was wrong. During her 45-minute drive home from Winston-Salem to Stokesdale, she learned that her husband had been killed. The following day, Mike’s 12-year-old daughter, Kayla, was scheduled to fly down from New Jersey for the holidays, and she still came, albeit on a later flight. The day after that was Christmas.

Mike loved to order presents on Amazon and was an excellent gift-giver. He was very thoughtful and had a mountain of boxes in the closet. Courtney didn’t know what he had ordered for the kids, but the night before Kayla arrived, they had to pull all the presents out of the closet and wrap them. It was bittersweet to see everything he had chosen for the children and for her. They could tell Kayla and Nate that their dad had picked out each gift specifically for them, which was a special moment for the family.

Mike’s mother, Patti, described how it was so like him to think about others before himself. Seeing the gifts he had prepared for the kids helped them through the difficult time. His sister, Maureen, added that Mike loved celebrating the holidays and decorating. He was loud and boisterous, and the family missed his presence during the season.

Fifteen days after the tragedy, Officer Horan was laid to rest on a cold January afternoon. His father, Mark, recalled the overwhelming display of officers from across the country and the large turnout at the funeral. The family also traveled to Washington, D.C., in May for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund's annual "Roll Call of Heroes." Hearing Mike’s name called at the candlelight vigil was a moving experience. Despite the heavy rain, the family felt a sense of peace and beauty in the moment.

Now that the events have mostly ended, the family is focusing on healing at their own pace. They cherish their time with the children and remember the many moments when Mike made them smile. One of their favorite memories was singing along to musicals on long road trips to pick up Kayla. They once sang the entire Hamilton soundtrack, especially King George’s song, which became a family favorite.

Mike loved the ocean and surfing, and he was a free spirit in that way. Courtney reflected on how important it is to tell loved ones how much they mean to you. Each day is a gift, and she wished Mike knew how much he was loved and appreciated.

Patti, his mother, said she was blessed to be his mom. Mike always made her laugh, and now it’s quiet without him. Maureen added that it’s hard not to expect him to show up, even though she knows he’s gone. The family continues to carry his memory with them, saying, “We love you. We miss you. I don’t know how we go on without him, but we will.”

The American Red Cross is honoring Mike Horan with a posthumous Salute to Heroes award. The event is scheduled for Sept. 18 in Winston-Salem. The family continues to find strength in their memories and the love they shared with Mike.