A man puts down flowers at a memorial outside the Silver Rail elementary school. Photograph: Saj Sundaram/EPAA man puts down flowers at a memorial outside the Silver Rail elementary school. Photograph: Saj Sundaram/EPAOregon shooting victims: three boys and female teacher killed at elementary schoolFather of five-year-old Rhoam Summer says family ‘broken and lost’, while seven-year-old and 54-year-old in hospital
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.
Rhoam Summer
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”.
Rhoam Summer, who was killed in the shooting. Photograph: GofundMe“He was very bright and very mischievous and very fun-loving, and totally without fear,” Jolly said.
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.
Eight-year old boy
Police are not releasing his identification at his family’s request.
Eleven-year old boy
Police are not releasing his identification at his family’s request.
Megan Lambert
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 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 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. This 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 set up by co-workers and friends of her family. “The family is focused on being at the hospital while their child fights for their life,” one account said.
“Right now, they are 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,” it added.
Saylor Graham, who doctors said was in a ‘serious but stable’ condition. Photograph: GoFundMeA business partner of Saylor’s mother, Danielle Graham, declined to be interviewed but confirmed Saylor’s identity to the Guardian.
Meanwhile, Bend police said on Friday that a seven-year old girl who was shot “is receiving life-saving care” at Oregon Health & Science University hospital in Portland, adding: “She is in serious but stable condition.”
Becky Drury
Fifty-four-year old Becky Drury was also injured in the shooting, with her mother-in-law Yvonne Drury posting on Facebook: “Our wonderful daughter-in-law, Becky was shot thr[ough] her left arm and right hand, and is recovering in the hospital after surgery this afternoon.”
In the same post, Becky’s son Will Drury said: “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 and we all get to keep that magnificent woman we love so much in our lives.”
Bend police said on Friday: “The injured 54-year-old female teacher suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St Charles Bend [hospital].”
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