Three boys and teacher killed in Bend, Oregon elementary school shooting

A 16-year-old gunman killed four people at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, before being shot dead by a bystander. Victims include three children aged five, eight and 11, and a 25-year-old teacher.

Victims named after fatal shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend

A 16-year-old shooter killed four people at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday afternoon before being shot dead by a bystander, authorities confirmed. Theguardian.com has identified the victims as three young boys and a 25-year-old female teacher, with two further people hospitalised following the attack at the school roughly 125 miles south-east of Portland.

Five-year-old Rhoam Summer

Rhoam Summer, aged five, was among those killed. His father, Kelik Summer, described Thursday as "the worst day of my life" in a Facebook post, writing: "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, confirmed his grandson's death to the New York Times, describing the killing as "senseless and a shock." Jolly remembered Rhoam as a regular presence in his home and garden. "He was very bright and very mischievous and very fun-loving, and totally without fear," Jolly said.

A GoFundMe page set up by friends of the family described the loss as "an unimaginable tragedy," adding: "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 formally confirmed Rhoam's identity on Friday afternoon.

Two further child victims

Two additional boys, aged eight and 11, also died in the shooting. Bend police have not released their identities at the request of their families.

Teacher Megan Lambert, 25

Megan Lambert, a 25-year-old teacher at Silver Rail, was identified as the fourth fatality. In a statement released through Bend police, her family described Lambert as a native of central Oregon who grew up in Bend. "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 family said.

Lambert's family added that teaching in the school district where she grew up had been her goal. "Silver Rail was her first job as a teacher, though she subbed there for many years … She loved Silver Rail. This was her dream job. Megan was compassionate and had a huge heart." The Central Oregon Volleyball Club website lists Lambert as a local high school coach, describing her as a "blessing" to her team.

Seven-year-old Saylor Graham hospitalised

Seven-year-old Saylor Graham was wounded in the attack and is receiving treatment at Oregon Health & Science University hospital in Portland. Bend police said Friday she "is receiving life-saving care" and is "in serious but stable condition." Multiple GoFundMe accounts set up by family friends describe her family as "carrying the impossible weight of traveling to and from the hospital, staying near their child, caring for their other child, trying to keep up their household, and missing work during this crisis." A business partner of Saylor's mother, Danielle Graham, confirmed the girl's identity to the Guardian but declined to be interviewed.

Teacher Becky Drury, 54, also injured

A second adult, 54-year-old Becky Drury, sustained gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand. Her mother-in-law, Yvonne Drury, posted on Facebook that Becky had undergone surgery after being shot "through her left arm and right hand." Becky's son Will Drury provided an update, saying: "Her left arm took a lot of damage so there's a long recovery and more surgeries ahead. Her right hand took a hit as well, which also required surgery, but it is much less severe. The good news is she will be OK."

Bend police confirmed Friday that the injured adult "suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St Charles Bend" hospital.

Investigation ongoing

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the shooting. The 16-year-old perpetrator was shot dead at the scene by a bystander. No further details about the shooter have been released by police.

Source: Google News MT