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Visitation held for principal, son who died in murder-suicide

Police: George Heckman killed adult son, self
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Visitation was held Thursday night for 52-year-old George Heckman and his 28-year-old son Grant at Pewamo-Westphalia High School.

Heckman was an elementary school principal at the district.

On Monday night Heckman and Grant were found dead inside a van on a dirt road in Montcalm County’s Bushnell Township, west of Carson City.

Investigators say Heckman shot and killed his son before turning the gun on himself.

Read the original story about the incident here.

Heckman had been principal for 20 years and was set to take over as the district superintendent in coming days.

For the entire community, Heckman’s loss isn’t getting any easier.

“Tonight and tomorrow are going to be very difficult and there is going to be some tough weeks ahead,” said Paul Hungerford, Heckman’s first cousin. “His voice in these communities, this school system, and in his family is going to be felt for a long time.”

Heckman was also listed as a board member at Austin's house, which provides long term living services for people with disabilities. According to their website Heckman's son had severe cerebral palsy.

Heckman was supposed to lead Monday night's school board meeting introducing him as the new superintendent, but he never showed up and that's what prompted the search.

Funeral services will be held Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. inside Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Westphalia.