CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The family of one of the two young men killed in a shooting behind a restaurant this week said they’re “determined to ensure his legacy endures not as a victim, but as a beacon of compassion, strength and inspiration.”
Noah William Peterson, 18, died from injuries he suffered in the shooting in the parking lot behind Mizu Japanese Cuisine on Wilma Rudolph Boulevard, according to previous reports. Also killed in the shooting was 24-year-old Makhi Charon Richardson.
The details remain under investigation by Clarksville Police, who are “making significant strides as new information emerges from those seeking justice in this tragedy,” said Noah’s father, John Peterson, in a family statement shared with Clarksville Now.
As that investigation unfolds, the family urges the public to focus on the profound legacy that Noah leaves behind. “He touched so many people’s lives,” they said.
Sports, music, standing up for others
Noah, nicknamed “Hustle” for his driven personality, graduated in May from West Creek High School. He was born in Knoxville and raised in Clarksville.
From a young age, he channeled his energy into pursuits that built both physical and personal resilience, his family said. He began training in karate as a child, honing discipline and focus, and he later expanded to boxing. He also took up baseball and football, where he thrived as a team player known for his sportsmanship and encouragement of others.
He spent a summer at the Marine Military Academy, where he developed leadership skills and discipline. His creative spirit also shone through his love for the arts. He dabbled in acting at the Clarksville School of Fine Arts, and also in creating music, as he “used words to craft songs that allowed listeners to see the world through his eyes.”
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“Noah’s 18 years were marked by an extraordinary ability to connect with people from all walks of life,” his family said. “Noah approached the world with an open heart and a willingness to help anyone in need. Whether offering a listening ear, lending a hand, or standing up for those who couldn’t defend themselves, Noah’s actions spoke volumes about his character. He fought tirelessly for the vulnerable, confronting bullies without hesitation and ensuring no one felt alone or powerless in his presence.”
Ways to remember Noah
Noah is survived by his father and stepmother, John and Patricia Peterson, and his mother, Amanda Jean Brown.
The memorial service will be Saturday, Aug. 23, at Neal Tarpley Funeral Home, with visitation starting at 10 a.m. and the service at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to local anti-bullying programs, youth sports, and victim advocacy organizations in Noah’s name.
“As the community mourns, one thing is clear: Noah William Peterson’s influence will continue to resonate, proving that even in tragedy, a life lived with purpose endures,” the family said.
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