Wednesday, September 01, 1999
Executive shot by son expected to recover fully
BY PATRICK CROWLEY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
WILDER — Fidelity Investments executive Paul Smith is expected to recover fully from the gunshot wounds he received two weeks ago at the hands of his son, a family friend said Tuesday.
The Rev. William Cleves, president of Thomas More College, said doctors at Cincinnati's University Hospital “are looking for signs of strength in Paul so he can go home.”
“The (doctors) expect a complete recovery ... and as soon as Paul begins eating solid food they will release him from the hospital,” Father Cleves said during the kickoff of United Way's annual fund drive, held Tuesday at the Town and Country Sports and Entertainment Complex in Wilder.
Mr. Smith, 53, site general manager for Fidelity Investments regional headquarters in Covington, was shot six times in the family's Edgewood home by Kevin Paul Smith, 30.
The younger Smith, who suffered from mental illness and had been estranged from the family for a year, died at the scene after shooting himself.
Mr. Smith's condition has been recently upgraded from critical to fair condition, a hospital spokeswoman said Tuesday. Mr. Smith's wife, Diane, was hit by a stray bullet but was not seriously injured.
Other than releasing a statement the day after the shooting, the Smiths have said nothing publicly about the incident and have not spoken with reporters.
“They are very grateful for all the prayers and support from people in the community,” said Father Cleves, who has visited Mr. Smith several times.
“The whole family looks forward to Paul's coming home, and they ask that we continue the prayers,” he said.
Mr. Smith, known for his civic and community involvement, is on the board of trustees at Thomas More College and active in the United Way.
Bradlee Stamper, Fifth Third Bank's top Northern Kentucky executive and chairman of the local United Way campaign, said he asked Father Cleves to give an update on Mr. Smith because people at the breakfast were asking how he was doing.
Many of those at the breakfast, an audience that included dozens of area business and community leaders, were surprised but thrilled with Mr. Smith's recovery.
Crestview Hills resident Frank Som merkamp, a retired Cincinnati Bell executive active in community causes, said being in good physical condition probably helped Mr. Smith survive the barrage of bullets.
“Paul is a fantastic tennis player, one of the best around,” said Mr. Sommerkamp. “He's in great shape, and that is going to help him get through this.”
“That's amazing,” said Shawn Cox, director of government affairs for the Home Builders Association of Northern Kentucky.
“My wife, Shari, works at Fidelity, and said the employees there are all pulling for Paul and hoping the best for him. This is great news.”
Fidelity, which has almost 4,000 employees in Greater Cincinnati includ ing 2,600 at its Covington campus, held an employee blood drive at the suggestion of the Smiths, said company spokesman Kevin Canafax.
More than 120 employees participated and donated blood to the Hoxworth Blood Center in name of Paul and Diane Smith, Mr. Canafax said.
“That's a testimony to Paul's popularity and the respect he has among the employees in this region,” Mr. Canafax said.
Bishop Robert Muench, who heads the Diocese of Covington, donated blood during the drive, Father Cleves said.
“That shows how much those of us in the diocese think of Paul,” he said.
Prosecutor: Sheriff broke law when he sued Democratic Party
Thousands gather for vision of Mary
Ballpark job complex
Mary Love's killer could get death penalty
Death of infant begs for answers
Executive shot by son expected to recover fully
New rules on car seats begin today
A new tool in the search for breast cancer
Jury works on case of fliers
Second woman sues over employee dunking
Street succumbing to retail sprawl
Two CPS schools reborn
Annual luncheon celebrates survivors
Boutique caters to all women's health
Orange barrels demand a polka
T-shirt launches Tall Stacks poster
Art museum director plans outreach
Cincinnati's Century of Change
GET TO IT
Tristate scene: Gravelrama in Cleves
Summer promos can predict network bombs
Assault charge violated rights, suit says
Beiting steps down as chairman
Bicycle lanes to open in township
Cell-phone calls credited with limiting fire damage Fire damages antiques shop
Centenarian still raring to go
Comments sought on Ky. 16 plans
County leans on insurer to pay man for wreck
Discipline urged against officer
Farm too small for inquiry in death
Fluor Daniel must submit bid to finish Fernald cleanup
Laurel Homes residents fear displacement
Ludlow mayor won't back down
Man accused of kidnapping ex-wife
Northwest retiree takes post at Badin
Norwood man charged after traffic death
Pesticide found in garbage truck
Rose's ex-bookie accused of roughing up Springboro officer
Teller shot, wounded in West Carrollton bank robbery
Trenton school upgrades begin
TRISTATE DIGEST
United Way goal for N.Ky.: $3.5M
Ways to lessen airport noise being studied
