DENVER (KDVR) — The family of a 14-year-old boy who was shot during the Sept. 10 shooting at Evergreen High School has shared a lengthy statement, saying their son was injured when confronting the shooter.
“On September 10th, inside Evergreen High School, our 14-year-old son endured the unimaginable: a face-to-face encounter with a violent school shooter filled with anger and hatred,” the family wrote, shared by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in a press release. “Our child suffered traumatic gunshot injuries and has remained hospitalized and undergone multiple surgeries since the incident.”
The boy will remain unnamed as the family wishes to remain confidential, according to the sheriff’s office. The other victim shot in the incident, 18-year-old Matthew Silverstone, was identified by his family, who said he also took heroic actions on the day of the shooting.
On Thursday, the 14-year-old boy’s condition was updated to “fair” from “serious.” Silverstone remains in critical condition, and his family says he is making small, encouraging improvements every day.
The family said their son “showed a level of bravery, strength, and will to survive that no child should ever be asked to display,” adding that he and a friend confronted the 16-year-old shooter, “which undoubtedly allowed time for more students to flee and the school to lock down.”
The family said his encounter with the shooter occurred before alarms were set off or the lockdown announcements could be made.
“Our son was shot at close range. Yet, he was able to run from the school to save his own life,” the family said. “As he and his friend ran through the school to escape, they alerted classmates about a student with a gun. Our son reached the recreation center behind the school and received immediate, critical first aid from an EMT/firefighter who was working there.”
Initial surgeries allowed boy to communicate in writing
The family said that their son was able to begin communicating in writing after initial surgeries, and his first questions were about the well-being of his family, friends, classmates, teachers and the other victim. The family said that he also asked how the shooting could have happened.
“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,” the family wrote. “Character is proven when tested, and our son showed and continues to show his loving, caring heart and principled mind.”
Evergreen High School Shooting | Coverage from FOX31
The 14-year-old’s recovery is still looking long and complicated, both physically and emotionally, and in ways the family “cannot yet imagine.”
“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,” the family wrote.
The family thanked the librarian who pointed their son to safety through the library’s emergency exit, the EMT/firefighter who gave critical care in the first moments after he was injured, and the first responders and initial hospital staff who triaged his injuries.
They also thanked the flight team who flew him to the pediatric intensive care unit, as well as all doctors, nurses, surgeons and care providers who have helped children and families in similarly difficult situations.
“To the Jeffco deputies standing guard outside of his hospital room to provide a sense of safety, as well as the victim advocates,” the family added. “And to the Evergreen community – and communities across our state and country – who have surrounded us with love and support in so many ways. It is through your support that he will persevere and return to the community that loves him.”
The family is not asking for donations, but is asking that anyone who feels moved to donate do so to help Matthew Silverstone and his family, which is available here.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
