Authorities are investigating a shooting at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, where a 16-year-old shooter killed four people before being shot dead by a bystander. The shooting took place on Thursday afternoon at Silver Rail elementary school, about 125 miles (200km) south-east of Portland. Here is 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 people injured.
In a Facebook group post, Rhoam Summer’s father Kelik Summer posted about his five-year old son’s death, saying that 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 are surrounded by friends and family who are keeping 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 a shock”, adding that Rhoam was “in my house a lot and in my garden with me and wrestling with me on the couch”.
A separate GoFundMe page that appears to have been set up by friends of Rhoam’s family said: “In the wake of an unimaginable tragedy, the Summer family is grieving the heartbreaking loss of their sweet 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 on Friday afternoon. Police are not releasing his identification at his family’s request.
Twenty-five-year old Megan Lambert, a teacher at the school, was identified as another victim killed in the shooting, Bend police said on Friday. In a statement shared with Bend police, Lambert’s family said: “Megan was a native central Oregonian. She had a passion for playing sports, especially volleyball.
She was a volleyball coach. She actually turned down pay for her first season as a coach, so 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, though she subbed there for many years … She loved Silver Rail. 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”. Seven-year old Saylor Graham was injured in the shooting, according to several GoFundMe accounts set up by co-workers and friends of her family. A business partner of Saylor’s mother, Danielle Graham, declined to be interviewed but confirmed Saylor’s identity to the Guardian.
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