Exactly one week to the day after Jaylen Fryberg opened fire on 5 of his closest friends during lunch at Marysville-Pilchuk High school in Washington state, another victim has died. 14-year old Shaylee Chuckulnaskit was shot in the head by Fryberg and she passed away on Friday night after never showing signs of improvement. Her heartbroken family issued a statement to the press, saying,
"Our hearts are broken at the passing of our beautiful daughter. Shay means everything to us. In Shay's short life she has been a radiant light bringing us incredible joy and happiness. She has been a loving daughter, a caring sister, a devoted friend and a wonderful part of our community. We can't imagine life without her."
Chuckulnaskit is the third teen to die from this targeted act of violence. 14-year old Zoe Galasso died at the scene and Gia Soriano, also 14, died last Sunday after her family decided to take her off of life support. Andrew Fryberg remains in critical condition while Nate Hatch has show steady improvement after being shot in the jaw. Investigators continue trying to piece together exactly what caused Fryberg's horrific act of violence.
So far it's clear that he invited a select group of friends to meet him at a particular table and eventually opened fire on them before killing himself. He also reportedly sent a photo of himself holding a gun in his lap just minutes before he started shooting. His social media accounts have pointed to a love triangle with a girlfriend that had just dumped him and one of his closest friends.
The close-nit community has really pulled together to support one another in the aftermath of such a devastating tragedy. Marysville-Pilchuk students had this past week off to grieve and get over their initial reaction to what has happened. Students are expected to return to class on Monday morning.
