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.
A Heartwarming Tale of a Lost Toy and Kindness
It is a welcome diversion from the seemingly constant stream of terrible news to hear a touching tale that serves as a reminder of the goodwill and generosity of people. Many people have been moved by a lovely narrative that Helen Lupton posted on Facebook.
Helen had gone to the Pleasureland Amusements arcade in Whitby, Yorkshire, with her son Blake. It was a fantastic day that was full of laughs. However, they found that Blake’s cherished purple sloth toy, Slothy, had been abandoned when they got home.
Helen, distraught, messaged the location in the hopes of locating the misplaced toy. She was told by the personnel, nevertheless, that nothing had been turned in to lost and found. Blake was devastated since it appeared as though there was no hope left.
Helen was determined to make things right, so she looked for a substitute toy but was unable. Then she got a message from Pleasureland Amusements out of the blue. Slothy had been located!
Helen was ecstatic to tell Blake the good news, and his face brightened with excitement. She inquired if they could send Slothy back to them because they weren’t local. After the staff graciously consented, a parcel showed up a few days later.
There were several very touching surprises in the bundle. There were three packages of sweets and two new toys beside Slothy. “Hello, we thought Pablo (as we called him before we knew he was Slothy) would get scared during his journey, so we sent him with a friend and some snacks to share with you when he got back home safe and sound,” said a heartfelt message sent in the package. We gave him a fidget pop to keep him from becoming bored. I hope Pablo, aka Slothy, remains secure in the future.
Helen posted the pictures on Facebook after being moved by the kindness and consideration shown by the Pleasureland employees. She expressed her thankfulness for the reminder that there are still good, honest, kind, and kind individuals in the world and urged others to visit the Whitby arcade.
Numerous others saw the article right away, and hundreds more comments followed. Several expressed emotional response to the story—one person even said it made them cry. Pleasureland employees received a ton of praise; one commenter gave them “five gold stars.”
This endearing story is a potent reminder that goodness persists in the world despite difficult circumstances. Stories like these give us hope and help us to believe in mankind again.
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