The nation initially breathed a sigh of relief after hearing only the gunman had been killed in the latest school shooting in Maryland, but despite the prayers and well wishes from millions of Americans, 16-year-old Jaelynn Willey is will be taken off life support as her parents announced she’s brain-dead.
In an emotional press conference Thursday night, Melissa Willey broke the heartbreaking news.
“My daughter was hurt by a boy who shot her in the head… and took everything from our lives,” Willey said. “She will not make it. She’s brain dead and has nothing. No life left in her,” she added.
Jaelynn was an avid swimmer and has eight siblings, with her being the second oldest of the bunch. She reportedly was a role model to all of her brothers and sisters, according to the family, and was one of the leaders who helped keep things together at the house.
AP: The teenage girl who was shot when a classmate opened fire inside their Maryland high school is brain dead and is being removed from life support, her mother said Thursday. https://t.co/VngsCX2Ug3
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) March 23, 2018
“Please keep Jaelynn and our family in your prayers,” a family statement read. “It is hard for us not to see her shining, smiling face right now, and to see her light up the room with her presence.”
https://twitter.com/russellali7/status/976154529149353984
A school resource officer was hailed as a hero for quickly neutralizing the gunman before he could take more lives, courageously running into the gunfire to confront the threat.
Parents of Jaelynn Willey say they are taking her off life support this evening. She was shot in the head at Great Mills High school on Tuesday, they said. pic.twitter.com/rP0OiuZ7mX
— Ian Duncan (@iduncan) March 23, 2018
Tragic news. Continued prayers for all involved, especially the Willey family.
The young teen boy who was also shot in the chaos did not sustain life threatening injuries and is listed as being in good condition.