by Evergreen, CO – A tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday at Evergreen High School, located in the suburban foothills about 30 miles west of Denver, when a teenage student shot two fellow pupils before turning the gun on himself. Authorities confirmed that the suspect succumbed to his self-inflicted injuries, marking a devastating day for the close-knit community.
The shooting, which erupted around 12:30 p.m., sent shockwaves through this peaceful town surrounded largely by forest and home to just over 9,300 people. The swift response by law enforcement ensured that the shooter was found within five minutes, and no officers fired their weapons during the incident.
The three teenagers involved were rushed to St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, where sadly, one died, another was critically injured, and the third remained in stable condition.
Rapid Law Enforcement Response and Hospital Updates
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Jacki Kelley shared that shots were fired both inside and outside the school building, emphasizing the urgency of the incident. More than 100 police officers from the surrounding Denver area responded promptly to the emergency at Evergreen High School, home to over 900 students.
- The suspect was located within five minutes of officers’ arrival.
- None of the responding officers discharged their firearms.
- All three injured teens were transported to St. Anthony Hospital.
- Hospital CEO Kevin Cullinan and spokesperson Lindsay Radford confirmed one fatality, one critical condition, and one stable patient among the victims.
This incident tragically awakens memories of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting in Jefferson County, where 14 people lost their lives. The community remains deeply affected by that history and is now confronting a new trauma.
The Community’s Response and Impact on Families
Parents anxiously waited outside nearby Bergen Meadow Elementary School to reunite with their children. Among them, Wendy Nueman recounted the fear and uncertainty felt after her daughter, a sophomore at Evergreen High, failed to immediately respond to calls. After borrowing a phone, her daughter confirmed she was safe but shaken:
“She just said she was OK. She couldn’t hardly speak. It’s super scary. We feel like we live in a little bubble here. Obviously, no one is immune.”
In the aftermath, 18 students who fled the shooting sought refuge at a nearby resident’s home. Don Cygan, a retired educator, described how students pounded on his door for help and were comforted by his wife, a retired nurse, who treated several for shock.
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- Students heard gunshots while in the cafeteria and fled the school.
- Names of all students and their parents were documented as they were picked up.
- The neighbor aimed to provide a safe haven in the crisis, embodying community support.
“I hope they feel like they ran to the right house,” said Cygan, reflecting on the incident’s emotional weight.
What Led to the Shooting? Investigation Ongoing
At this time, authorities have not disclosed a motive or details leading to the shooting at Evergreen High School. Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy to better understand the events and prevent future incidents.
For more detailed reporting on this incident, visit the full NBC News article here.
Moving Forward: A Community in Healing
The shooting at Evergreen High underscores the ongoing challenges schools and communities face in maintaining safety. It also highlights the resilience and compassion of residents who rush to assist during emergencies. As the investigation proceeds, focus shifts to supporting the victims, their families, and students traumatically affected by this event.
Key Points to Remember:
- Evergreen High School shooting resulted in one death and two injuries.
- Law enforcement acted swiftly, locating the shooter in under five minutes.
- Victims are receiving medical care at St. Anthony Hospital.
- Community members provided aid and comfort to fleeing students.
- The investigation into the motive remains ongoing.
The Evergreen community now faces the difficult path of healing and recovery in the wake of this violent episode.
What do you think about this incident? Have you or someone you know experienced similar school-related tragedies? Share your thoughts and support below in the comments.
