CHAPEL HILL — One of the victims of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School was the 6-year-old niece of Chapel Hill Police Department attorney Matt Sullivan.

Sullivan left for Newtown on Friday after learning that his niece, Catherine Violet Hubbard, had died in the shootings, Chapel Hill Town Manager Roger L. Stancil said in an email. Catherine, the daughter of Sullivan’s sister Jennifer, was in the first grade at Sandy Hook Elementary. Her wake is Wednesday at St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown.

“We send our love and support to Matt and his family,” Chapel Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt said in a statement. “We hope this family and the entire community of Newtown finds peace and comfort in time.”

The Hubbard family designated an animal rescue group, the Newtown Animal Center, for memorials. Catherine’s obituary said, “She will be remembered for her passion of animals and constant smile.”

The Chapel Hill Police Department plans to donate to Newtown Animal Center in Catherine’s honor. Anyone who wishes to contribute to the donation can contact the department at 919-968-2760 before 5 p.m. Friday.