The community at Hunters Lane High School in Nashville is reeling from the tragic and unexpected loss of one of its most dedicated educators, Anna Pierce. Pierce, a respected biology teacher and tennis coach, was killed in a domestic violence incident on Sunday morning, in what police have confirmed was a murder-suicide. She was 30 years old.
According to Metro Nashville Police, Anna was shot and killed by her husband, Steven Pierce, 46, at their West End condo. Following the shooting, Steven turned the gun on himself.
Authorities recovered a revolver at the scene. Investigators believe the couple had been arguing over divorce proceedings and financial difficulties, but there had been no previous domestic violence reports or encounters with law enforcement involving the pair.
Anna Pierce served at Hunters Lane High School for seven years, where she not only taught biology but also coached the school’s tennis team. Her colleagues and students are grieving deeply as they come to terms with her death.
Executive Principal Dr. Sue Kessler described Pierce as a passionate educator who believed in building strong, lasting relationships with her students—especially her 9th graders, whom she believed she could guide from their first year all the way through to graduation.
“She enjoyed teaching biology and 9th graders because she was convinced that the relationships she built with students would help them through graduation and beyond,” said Dr. Kessler.
“A devoted mother of two girls, Ms. Pierce helped other teachers as they learned to navigate the mom-teacher balance. We will miss Ms. Pierce’s commitment to kids, love of our school, and her dedication. Our thoughts are with the many people who loved her.”
Anna’s contributions went far beyond the classroom. She worked hard to grow the tennis program, investing her time and energy to provide her students with both athletic and personal development opportunities. She was also pursuing her dream of becoming a school principal, aiming to expand her impact as a leader in education.
Among her colleagues, Anna was known as a source of support and encouragement. Fellow teachers often turned to her for advice—not only about instructional strategies but also about balancing the challenges of teaching while raising a family.
Her warmth, empathy, and willingness to share her experience made her a cornerstone of the school’s staff community. Her sudden and violent death has left a deep void, not only within Hunters Lane High School, but also throughout Nashville’s educational and parenting communities.
Students, faculty, and parents are mourning the loss of a woman who gave so much of herself to others. Counselors have been made available at the school to support students and staff as they process the devastating news.
Anna is survived by her two young daughters, whose futures she worked tirelessly to support. In light of the tragedy, many are rallying around her family, especially her children, to provide them with love, resources, and care as they begin to cope with this unimaginable loss.
As Nashville mourns, Anna Pierce is remembered not only for the tragedy of her passing, but for the life she lived—a life rooted in service, compassion, and an unshakable belief in the potential of every student. Her legacy as an educator, coach, mentor, and mother will not be forgotten.
