Remembering Ashley Flynn
Tipp City grapples with beloved mother and coach
37-year-old Ashley Flynn was many things to many people. A devoted mother of two, a wife, a volleyball coach, and a woman guided by deep Christian faith. She was also a well-respected member of the Tipp City community, and on February 16, 2026, she was violently taken from those who loved her.
The crime was almost inconceivable, a young mother shot dead in her bed while her husband and two children were left unharmed. It sent shockwaves through Tipp City.
Just after 2:30 a.m. on February 16, 2026, police in Tipp City responded to the Flynn’s home on Cunningham Court following reports of a burglary and shooting. Ashley’s husband, Caleb Flynn, was the one who called 911. He sounded hysterical and told dispatchers his wife had been shot during a home invasion.
When police arrived, they immediately leaped into action. They deployed drones and police canines, but no suspects were found. They also called in help from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Off the bat, this murder was troubling for residents. Tipp City is a small community often insulated from big city crime. The thought that someone would break into a home and shoot them while they slept was almost unfathomable and terrifying. However, the arrest that came just days later was somehow even more shocking for those who knew the Flynns.
Caleb Flynn was arrested four days after his wife’s death and charged with murder, two counts of felonious assault, and two counts of tampering with evidence. At the time of this publication, he’s still in custody, being held on a $2 million bond. He pleaded not guilty.
Red and white ribbons could be seen in downtown Tipp City. The crime has all the makings for true crime fanatics, local media, and even national news outlets, but for those who knew Ashley all of the added attention was even more tragic. Her family has not gone on camera or done interviews but instead released this statement through a family friend:
“Our hearts are shattered. Ashley brought endless light to our word and we are trying to navigate this immense loss. Our family believes this arrest was made carefully and not without serious consideration. After speaking with both local police and federal authorities, we trust the proper steps were taken and the process is being handled appropriately. We kindly ask for privacy as we work through this complex situation. We are clinging to our faith just as Ashley did each and every day. If you have information that could assist in the investigation, please contact the Tipp City Police Department.”
Because of the added media attention, a public memorial for Ashley was canceled and a private event was held instead.
Ashley graduated from Tipp City High School in 2006 and went on to graduate from Lee University in 2010. Her family says she was passionate about volunteering at her church and was a dedicated teacher with LifeWise Academy. She was also a beloved substitute teacher and 7th grade volleyball coach. Before working for LifeWise, she was a teacher at Tipp City schools.
“She was an incredible human being. I’ve realized throughout this week the enormous impact she had on so many lives,” said Luke Zerkle, a family friend. “Over and over this week I’ve heard from folks that she loved Jesus and loved people. Her example is lighting the way for so many others. That being said, it’s going to be a difficult journey moving forward, but I’m confident this community will rally around her girls and family as a whole. We have to do that, they’ve always been there for us.”
While Ashley was devoted to her family, she also loved coaching. 17-year-old Savannah Clawson plays volleyball for Tipp City. She’s known Ashley for years and met her through church and volleyball camp.
“Her personality was encouraging, uplifting, kind, funny, and every chance she got to show the love of Jesus she did,” said Clawson.
This past week, Savannah and her teammates visited the 7th grade volleyball players who are grieving the loss of their coach.
“I think they are still unbelievably sad and grieving, but I think talking about her and reliving those memories that I mentioned of her have helped them think of her as the God-fearing, Jesus-loving woman that she was and will be remembered as,” said Savannah.
Savannah explains why it was important to her to help the younger players cope with this tragedy.
“Under the circumstances I think it was a very good opportunity for us high school girls to support and be there for the middle schoolers in this hard time as well as remember her ourselves, and it was amazing to listen to the memories and impacts she made on the middle school girls, and just be in community and together through this time.”
A GoFundMe account has already raised more than $120,000. These funds will go to Ashley’s uncle to be used for the benefit of her daughters.
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