GoFundMe Launched For Joe Paavola, Hatchet Murder Victim

BELLE MEADE, TN -- As the search for his alleged killer stretched into its second day, a GoFundMe effort for the family of Joe Paavola soared beyond its lofty goal in less than 24 hours.

Police say Paavola, a 46-year-old personal trainer at Balance Fitness at the Belle Meade Galleria, died after he was attacked with a hatchet and a second "cutting instrument" by Domenic Micheli, 36, a former employee at the gym who Paavola fired 14 months ago.

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In the hours after Paavola's death, friends launched a GoFundMe page which sought to raise $75,000 for Paavola's wife and five children. In less than 24 hours, the fundraising effort surpassed $85,000.

"Joel Paavola was a phenomenal man, father, husband, and role model. He was bright, happy go lucky, and never ceased to make you smile. He always put his family first and we want that to carry on after his unfortunate passing. His wife and 5 children were the most important and loved people in his life. Any donation of money, time, or love; no matter how small or large helps carry on what he practiced everyday," the page says.

Investigators say Micheli came into the gym at 6:55 a.m. Monday where Paavola was working with two clients. Micheli had been seen pacing in the parking deck just prior to the attack. Police say Micheli fled in a silver Toyota Prius or Yaris.

Micheli had been away from Tennessee for some time before Monday's murder and was arrested outside the White House in April for unlawful entry. His Facebook page includes a series of strange rantings calling him the "Sun of God" and alluding to the Ebola virus, a vengeful angel and in one particularly chilling missive, declaring there would be "no more mercy."

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.

Photo via GoFundMe