Friend charged in stabbing of UNC alumni

UPDATE: Jamie Hahn has died, according to a statement released by the Hahn and Kirk families at 1:50 a.m. today that reads in part:

“Jamie lost her struggle to live this morning. We lost a beautiful and loving wife, daughter and friend. We all lost a pure and brave spirit.

“Over the last two days we were inspired by how the community rallied around her. It is our fervent hope that an even larger community will be inspired now by the way she lived her life.”

Two UNC alumni, both prominent Democratic political strategists, were found with stab wounds on Monday near their Raleigh home.

Jamie Kirk Hahn, 29, and her husband Nation Richard Hahn, 27, were taken to WakeMed Hospital Monday evening after police responded to a 911 call.

Nation Hahn has been released from the hospital, but Jamie Hahn remains in critical condition, said former N.C. Democratic Party official Gary Pearce, who visited WakeMed on Tuesday.

Nation Hahn attended a prayer vigil for his wife Tuesday.

Jonathan Wayne Broyhill, 31, has been charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury.

According to The (Orangeburg, S.C.) Times and Democrat, Broyhill was the best man in the couple’s 2009 wedding.

Broyhill was also taken to the hospital.

He will be processed at the Wake County Jail when his medical condition permits, Raleigh police said in a press release.

Police have not released a motive for the attack but said it was not domestic in nature.

Pearce said Broyhill was friends with the couple.

“No one knows why he would do this,” he said.

The family of the couple released a statement Tuesday.

“Jamie Hahn is fighting for her life, and Nation, her husband, is by her side. Our families and her friends are devastated. We deeply appreciate the thoughts and expressions of love we have received.

“Jamie is a strong and courageous young woman and a bright light to us all. Pray for her.”

Nation Hahn had been scheduled to speak to UNC journalism professor Daniel Kreiss’ political communication class Thursday.

Kreiss said he met Nation Hahn when the latter was running a social media campaign against Amendment One.

“It is a momentously sad time for anyone who knew Nation or Jamie, given the countless hours and energy they have put into politics in North Carolina and nationally,” Kreiss said.

Nation works as the director of engagement at New Kind, a new media company in Raleigh that has advocated against Amendment One, among other issues.

Jamie Hahn founded SkyBlue Strategies, which consults nonprofit organizations and political campaigns on fundraising.

The Hahns are members of UNC’s Young Alumni Leadership Council.

Nation graduated in 2008 and Jamie in 2006.

Contact the desk editor at state@dailytarheel.com.