Authorities are investigating a shooting at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, where a 16-year-old shooter killed four people before being shot and killed by a passerby.
The shooting happened Thursday afternoon at Silver Rail Elementary School, about 125 miles southeast of Portland.
Here’s what we know so far about the four victims, including three children aged five, eight and 11, and a 25-year-old teacher, as well as the two injured people.
Rhoam Summer
In a post on a Facebook group, Rhoam Summer’s father, Kelik Summer, announced the death of his five-year-old son, saying Thursday was “the worst day of my life.” He added: “My son Rhoam was killed in a school shooting. We are broken and lost, but we are surrounded by friends and family who keep us safe.”
Rhoam’s grandfather, Bryan Jolly, also confirmed his grandson’s death to the New York Times. Jolly described the tragedy as “senseless and shocking”, adding that Rhoam was “often in my house and garden with me and wrestling with me on the sofa”.
“He was very bright, very mischievous and very funny, and totally fearless,” Jolly said.
A separate GoFundMe page that appears to have been created by friends of Rhoam’s family said: “In the wake of an unimaginable tragedy, the Summer family is mourning the heartbreaking loss of their adorable five-year-old son, Rhoam. There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a child, and no family should ever have to experience a loss like this.”
Bend police also confirmed Rhoam’s identity Friday afternoon.
Eight year old boy
The police are withholding his identity papers at the request of his family.
Eleven year old boy
The police are withholding his identity papers at the request of his family.
Mégane Lambert
Megan Lambert, 25, a teacher at the school, was identified as another victim killed in the shooting, Bend police said Friday.
In a statement shared with Bend police, Lambert’s family said: “Megan was originally from Central Oregon. She grew up in Bend. She had a passion for sports, especially volleyball. She was a volleyball coach. She actually turned down her salary for her first season as a coach, so that families who couldn’t afford to participate could have the chance to play the sport she loved.”
“Her goal was to be an educator and teach in the school district she loved growing up in… Silver Rail was her first job as a teacher, although she worked there for many years… She loved Silver Rail. It was her dream job. Megan was compassionate and had a huge heart,” her family added.
The Central Oregon Volleyball Club website lists Megan as a local high school coach and describes her as a “blessing” who has “done so much for her team.”
Saylor Graham
Seven-year-old Saylor Graham was injured in the shooting, according to several GoFundMe accounts created by colleagues and friends of her family. “The family is focused on being in the hospital while their child fights for his life,” one story said.
“Right now, they are carrying the impossible weight of traveling to and from the hospital, staying close to their child, caring for their other child, trying to support their household, and taking time off work during this crisis,” he adds.
A business partner of Saylor’s mother, Danielle Graham, declined to be interviewed but confirmed Saylor’s identity to the Guardian.
Meanwhile, Bend police said Friday that a seven-year-old girl who was shot is “receiving life-saving care” at Oregon Health and Science University Hospital in Portland, adding, “She is in serious but stable condition.”
Becky Drury
Becky Drury, 54, was also injured in the shooting. Her mother-in-law, Yvonne Drury, posted on Facebook: “Our wonderful daughter-in-law, Becky, was shot in the left arm and right hand, and is recovering in hospital after surgery this afternoon. »
In the same post, Will Drury, Becky’s son, said: “Her left arm took a lot of damage, so there is a long recovery and more surgeries ahead. Her right hand was also affected, which also required surgery, but it is much less serious. The good news is that she will be fine and we can all keep this beautiful woman that we love so much in our lives.”
Bend police said Friday, “The injured 54-year-old teacher suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and is currently being treated at St. Charles Bend Hospital. »
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