A tragic incident took place at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, where a 14-year-old boy sent a message to his mom before he was killed in a mass shooting. His heartbroken sister has also spoken about the terrible event.
The boy, Mason Schermerhorn, was one of four victims who lost their lives in the shooting. He had texted his mom while hiding in a school restroom, but sadly, he didn’t make it out. Ronald Clark, a youth minister and chaplain, shared this information. He also mentioned how he tried to help search for Mason during the chaos of the shooting.
This story has left many grieving and searching for answers.
On the morning of September 4, when the shooting happened, Ronald Clark had stopped at a store on his way home. He received a call from his wife, who told him about the shooting at Apalachee High School. Clark immediately went to the school and offered his help to the police officers who were working at the command post.
Clark was assigned to assist the teams working on the investigation. After about an hour, he began encountering injured students who were in shock.
He described the situation as “challenging” and mentioned that although he wanted to help everyone, he understood that there was only so much he could do in such a large-scale tragedy.
Clark also highlighted the bravery of the victims who survived. He was impressed by their courage as they shared their experiences with him, which was part of their effort to cope with the trauma they had endured.
During the chaos, Clark tried to assist Mason Schermerhorn’s mom, whom he knew through work, in finding her son. She told Clark that she believed Mason, who was autistic, was safe because he had texted her from the restroom.
Clark remembered the mother saying, “Hey, I can’t find him. I’m just here to pick him up. I know he’s safe. He texted me that he’s in the restroom. Can you please help?”
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.”
The youth minister also emphasized what a wonderful kid Mason Schermerhorn was. He said, “He […] loved life, didn’t have any issues with anyone. He was autistic, but that didn’t stop his glow.”
On September 5, WSB-TV released messages sent between a 14-year-old boy and his mom on Instagram. Although they didn’t reveal the boy’s identity, the messages provide a glimpse into how frightening and intense the situation was for those involved.
The boy reportedly texted his mom, “School shooting rn. I’m scared, pls, I’m not joking.” When she told him she was leaving work, he heartbreakingly replied with, “I love you.” In response to her question about where he was, he chillingly wrote, “Class. Someone’s dead.”
The 14-year-old shooter, Colt Gray, is expected to be charged with murder as an adult.
Following Mason Schermerhorn’s death, his sister, Alanna Wallace, has spoken about the tragedy in an interview with Fox 5 News’ Brittany Edney.
Wallace shared that her brother was a wonderful person who had a profound impact on many people, echoing the sentiments expressed by Clark.
Wallace, along with her family, shared touching videos of Mason Schermerhorn with Edney. She also talked about the hobbies Mason had recently picked up. He had started learning to play the trumpet because he wanted to follow in his big sister’s footsteps, as she had learned to play the instrument first.
Mason Schermerhorn also loved playing video games on his PS5, exploring virtual fantasy worlds with his VR headset, and visiting amusement parks. Wallace described her late little brother as a positive, energetic person and expressed how she can’t imagine life without him.
When asked what she wants the world to know about Mason Schermerhorn, Wallace said, “That he loved everyone […] No matter what they had, what disabilities, he loved everyone for them.”
Regarding how Wallace is coping with the tragedy, Edney shared that Wallace has been trying to channel her brother’s positive energy. Despite being her little brother, Mason had a protective, big brother vibe and always looked out for her.
Edney also noted that when she spoke to Wallace, the sister was surrounded by about eight friends who were there to support her. They gathered in a circle with some donuts, reminiscing about Mason Schermerhorn’s life and reassuring Wallace that they were there for her. Wallace mentioned that this sense of community is what is helping her get through this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences go out to Schermerhorn’s family and all the families affected by this horrific tragedy. We pray for healing and comfort during this difficult time of grief. Rest in peace, Mason Schermerhorn, and all the other victims who lost their lives.
My Husband Took This Photo of Me Just Before I Threw My Rings: I Learned a True Lesson in Life
This past Sunday, the day began with the promise of a beautiful morning on a boat cruise with my husband, Jack. We were basking in the sun, the gentle sway of the boat calming our spirits. Our conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and shared memories. It was one of those perfect mornings that seemed to bring us closer together, making me appreciate our life and love.
But suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. Jack’s demeanor changed from light-hearted to serious. He took a deep breath, his eyes filled with a mix of regret and fear. “Baby, I’m so sorry,” he began, his voice trembling. “I have to tell you something. I’m so sorry, please forgive me. I had an affair.”
The Heartbreaking Revelation
Those words hit me like a tidal wave. My heart pounded in my chest, and I felt a surge of emotions – disbelief, rage, and an overwhelming sense of betrayal. I am not a confrontational person by nature, so I didn’t scream or cry. Instead, I stood up, numb with shock, and removed my wedding and engagement rings. With a swift motion, I hurled them into the vast, unforgiving ocean.
Jack’s reaction was instant. His eyes widened in horror, and his mouth fell open. “What have you done?” he shouted, his voice cracking. “It was a joke, a prank! I wasn’t serious!”
But it was too late. The rings, symbols of our love and commitment, were gone, sinking into the depths of the sea. My anger flared. “Because of your cruel joke, I’ve thrown away your family engagement ring!” I screamed back, tears now streaming down my face.
The Aftermath of a Cruel Joke
Jack’s face turned as white as a sheet. He started to panic, his breathing becoming erratic. “Do you realize what you’ve done?” he screamed. “That ring was a family heirloom, passed down through generations! It was irreplaceable!”
His words cut through my anger like a knife. The gravity of my actions hit me, and I felt a wave of regret. But the damage was done. There was no retrieving the rings from the ocean. I had acted out of blind rage and hurt, and now we both had to face the consequences.
The boat ride back to shore was a silent, tense affair. Jack was devastated, and I was left grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. Was it right to react the way I did? Did his prank justify my drastic action? These questions haunted me, and I knew that our relationship had been irrevocably altered.
Reflecting on Consequences
As we disembarked and made our way home, the silence between us was deafening. Jack’s shoulders were slumped, his face etched with pain and regret. I couldn’t bring myself to look at him. My mind was racing, replaying the events over and over.
That night, we sat down to talk. Jack apologized profusely, explaining that he never intended to hurt me. It was supposed to be a joke, a misguided attempt to lighten the mood. He admitted that it was a terrible mistake, one that he would regret for the rest of his life.
I listened, my heart heavy. I knew that forgiveness wouldn’t come easily. The trust between us had been shattered, and it would take time to rebuild. We both needed to reflect on our actions and understand the impact they had on our relationship.
Rebuilding Trust
In the weeks that followed, Jack and I sought counseling to help us navigate the fallout of that fateful day. It was a difficult journey, filled with painful conversations and soul-searching. But we were committed to healing and rebuilding our trust.
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