GRAND HAVEN TWP., Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan News Source has learned that the Grand Haven Township man who murdered his wife, six children, and then killed himself had worked for the American Heart Association until recently.

The American Heart Association confirmed to Michigan News Source that 47-year-old Kristopher Karolkiewicz’s nearly three-year tenure with the organization ended earlier this month.

The statement reads, “The American Heart Association national headquarters is aware of that one of its former staff members was among those who perished under tragic circumstances Friday in a western Michigan home.

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Kristopher Karolkiewicz was an employee of the American Heart Association from September of 2023 until earlier this month, July 2026, when his employment ended.

During his time with our organization, he served as a national vice president of sales and marketing, supporting the division of the Heart Association responsible for CPR and first aid training and products. He worked remotely for the national headquarters operation from his home.

As an organization with professional staff who are dedicated to helping others, we are devastated by the news out of Grand Haven, and our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragedy.”

Ottawa County officials say Kristopher Karolkiewicz shot his wife, 39-year-old Amanda Karolkiewicz, and their six children, ages 5 to 15, on either Thursday, July 23, or Friday, July 24. Officials were called to the home because of a fire, where they discovered the bodies. Investigators have seized documentation from the home as they work to determine a possible motive.