Boy, 14, Sent Text to Mom Before Dying in a Mass Shooting at Apalachee High School
Reports have revealed that a 14-year-old boy sent a text to his mom before he was killed in a school mass shooting. His grieving sister has also spoken out about the tragedy.
One of the four victims who died as a result of a mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, communicated with his mom from a restroom before he was found dead. This was revealed by a youth minister and chaplain named Ronald Clark, who also shared how he tried to help find Mason Schermerhorn when the shooting happened.
On the Wednesday morning (September 4) that the incident occurred, Clark had stopped at a store on his way home when he got a call from his wife, who informed him of the shooting. He rushed to the high school, quickly offering his services to police officials stationed at the command post.
Footage of where the mass shooting occurred at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, posted on September 5, 2024 | Source: YouTube/FOX 5 Atlanta
Clark was tasked with assisting the crews working on the investigative side of the matter, and after an hour, he began seeing all the students who were injured and in a state of shock.
The chaplain, who dubbed the situation “challenging,” spoke about how he wanted to help everybody, but in realizing the magnitude of the situation, he stated, “It’s only so much that you can do.”
Authorities and medical personnel tending to a victim on a gurney, posted on September 5, 2024 | Source: YouTube/FOX 5 Atlanta
He also noted how courageous the victims who made it out alive were in recounting their testimonies to him as an effort to cope with the trauma they experienced.
State of Georgia Chaplain Ronald Clark consoling students kneeling down in front of a memorial that was made at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia on September 5, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Amid the chaos, Clark attempted to help Schermerhorn’s mom, whom he works with, find her son. At the time, the mother told Clark how she believed Schermerhorn, who is autistic, was okay.
“Hey, I can’t find him. I’m just here to pick him up. I know he’s safe. He text me that he’s in the restroom. Can you please help?” recalled Clark of his interaction with the victim’s mom.
People waiting outside Apalachee High School. | Source: YouTube/FOX 5 Atlanta
Helping Schermerhorn’s mom, Clark took a picture of Schermerhorn to the command post, where he learned that the teenager was one of the four victims who had been confirmed dead.
“It was hard, because we were just talking about her kids on Tuesday this week. She was saying that the bond and the connection she has with her kids is unbreakable,” remarked Clark.
The youth minister also highlighted what a great kid he was told Schermerhorn was, adding, “He […] loved life, didn’t have any issues with anyone. He was autistic, but that didn’t stop his glow.”
Mason Schermerhorn in an old family video taken on one of his birthdays, posted on September 6, 2024 | Source: X/@BrittanyEdney
Yesterday, on September 5, WSB-TV revealed messages sent between a 14-year-old boy and his mom on Instagram. While they did not disclose who the boy was, the communication gives an idea of how scary and intense the situation was to those present.
“School shooting rn. I’m scared, pls, I’m not joking,” the boy reportedly texted his mom. When she let him know that she was leaving work, the heartbreaking reply of, “I love you,” followed. The boy’s answer to his mom asking where he was, was equally chilling. “Class. Someone’s dead,” he wrote.
The 14-year-old shooter, Colt Gray, will be reportedly charged with murder as an adult.
In the aftermath of Schermerhorn’s death, his sister, Alanna Wallace, has come forward to speak about the tragedy with Fox 5 News’ Brittany Edney.
Echoing what Clark had to say, Edney said that Wallace divulged what a wonderful person her brother was and the incredible influence he had on so many people.
Alanna Wallace speaking about he brother, posted on September 5, 2024 | Source: YouTube/FOX 5 Atlanta
Wallace, who, along with her family, shared heartwarming videos of Schermerhorn with Edney, also detailed the hobbies Schermerhorn had recently started. He was learning to play the trumpet because he wanted to be like his big sister, who learned to play the instrument first.
Schermerhorn also enjoyed playing video games on his PS5, exploring virtual fantasy worlds on his VR headset, and going to amusement parks. Overall, Wallace described her late little brother as a positive person who was bursting with energy, and added how she couldn’t imagine life without him.
When asked what she wants the world to know about Schermerhorn, Wallace asserted, “That he loved everyone […] No matter what they had, what disabilities, he loved everyone for them.”
Concerning how Wallace is grappling with such a tragedy, Edney said that the big sister mentioned how she has been trying to channel her brother’s positive energy. She noted how even though he was her little sibling, Schermerhorn had big brother energy and was very protective of Wallace.
Alanna Wallace | Source: YouTube/FOX 5 Atlanta
Edney also mentioned that when she spoke to Wallace, the sister had about eight or so friends supporting her. The group sat in a circle with some donuts as they reminisced about Schermerhorn’s life and reassured Wallace that they have her back. This sense of community is what Wallace said is keeping her going right now.
Our deepest condolences to Schermerhorn’s family and the other families who were impacted by this horrific tragedy. We pray for healing amid their time of grief. RIP, Schermerhorn and the other victims who lost their lives.