A 14-year-old student who was critically wounded in a shooting at Evergreen High School this month confronted the shooter, allowing time for students to flee, his family said Thursday.
The boy, whose name has not been publicly released, was face-to-face with the shooter when he was shot at close range and remains in the hospital, recovering after several surgeries, his family members said in a statement released by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
The statement was the first time any information on the teen, other than his medical condition, has been released.
“In those terrifying moments, our son showed a level of bravery, strength, and will to survive that no child should ever be asked to display. He and his friend confronted the assailant, which undoubtedly allowed time for more students to flee and the school to lock down,” the student’s family said. “This life-altering encounter happened before alarms were set off or lockdown announcements made.”
The boy was one of two students critically wounded Sept. 10 when a fellow classmate fired 20 rounds inside and outside of the high school. The other victim, Matthew Silverstone, had just turned 18 the day before the nine-minute attack unfolded. Silverstone was in fair condition as of Wednesday, a spokesperson for St. Anthony Hospital said.
The shooter, 16-year-old Desmond Holly, died by suicide.
After the 14-year-old was shot, he ran from the school to save his own life, his family said. He and another classmate alerted classmates about a student with a gun while they fled.
When the boy reached the recreation center behind the school, an EMT gave the wounded teen critical first-aid, his family said.
After several surgeries, the student is now able to communicate by writing, his family said. In the first questions he wrote down, he asked about the well-being of his family, friends, classmates, teachers and Silverstone.
“He asked how this could happen. His mind and messages were clear: The adults responsible for protecting children must take real, meaningful action so that no child or family endures this kind of horror — in school or anywhere,” his family said. “Character is proven when tested, and our son showed and continues to show his loving, caring heart and principled mind.”
Amid the chaos inside the school Sept. 10, a librarian pointed the student to safety as he ran for his life through the library emergency exit, the student’s family said.
His family expressed gratitude for the team who flew their son to the intensive care unit, to the doctors and surgeons who “dedicate their lives to helping children and families on their darkest days,” and to the Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies who stood guard outside the hospital room to provide a sense of safety.
Through the outpouring support from the Evergreen community, and around the state, their son “will persevere and return to the community that loves him,” the statement said.
“The road ahead for our beloved son and family will be long and complicated — physically, emotionally, and in ways we cannot yet imagine,” the family said. “The same is likely true for all who lived through this tragedy. His and our wish is that real change will come from it, finally.”