Knife Industry Mourns the Loss of One of Their Own

The knife industry is mourning the loss of Missy Hillian, National Sales Manager for CAS Iberia, following her tragic death last Thursday. Hillian had joined the search party for a 73-year-old woman who had gone missing during a flash flood at Cummins Falls State Park in North Tennessee. According to park authorities, the severity of the flooding was unprecedented.

Outpourings of grief from the knife community started soon after CAS Iberia posted the news. “…we grew up in that industry together, and we shared the details of our personal lives, and struggles, with each other as only true personal friends would,” KnifeCenter’s Jason Kunkler wrote. “She is gone, and I am broken.” Many more in the industry shared their condolences, including CRKT designer Austin McGlaun and Cold Steel Knives. Canadian knife dealer Warriors and Wonders wrote: “We are shocked and saddened by the news of Missy’s passing. She was truly one of a kind, a genuine and caring soul and we loved her dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family in this very difficult time.”