Oregon Community Mourns 4 Killed in School Shooting, 2 Survivors Hospitalized

A special-needs teacher and a student wounded in a deadly shooting at an Oregon elementary school remained hospitalized Saturday, offering a glimmer of hope amidst a community in mourning.

Seven-year-old Saylor Graham, the youngest survivor, is described as a "feisty, vibrant fighter with a sweet nature" whose resilience has inspired others. Saylor, who has a genetic disorder, typically uses a wheelchair and is non-verbal, but her friends say she connects deeply with people without words. "She’s just an amazing spirit who just immediately draws people to her and you just feel inspired by Saylor when you meet her," said Matt Sampson, executive director of Sparrow Clubs, where Saylor is a member.

Teacher Becky Drury, 54, is recovering in a Bend hospital from wounds to her arm and hand and is expected to return home soon, according to Zack Hall, a family friend acting as spokesperson.

Three children—ages 5, 8, and 11—and a teacher were killed Thursday at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend. The shooter, identified as 16-year-old Griffin J. John II, a former student, entered a special needs classroom and opened fire with a shotgun. The rampage was stopped when a teacher grappled with the assailant and a father of two students intervened, fatally shooting the suspect. These actions are credited with saving numerous lives.

As police investigate John's motive, parents, teachers, and community members gathered outside the school on Saturday, leaving flowers, offering prayers, and sharing tears. Savannah Patton, a mother with first and fourth graders at the school, struggled to articulate the event to her daughter, who asked why someone would bring a gun to school.

Megan Lambert, 25, a teacher killed in the shooting, was remembered by Heidi Wood, director of the Central Oregon Volleyball Club where Lambert coached, as an "amazing coach," "amazing teacher," and "amazing person." Wood recounted that Lambert would have offered help to anyone, stating, "To the shooter, she would have given you the shirt off her back. But you didn’t give her a chance." Lambert had previously foregone her coaching pay in her first year to fund scholarships for players unable to afford the fees.

Saylor Graham, who has worked with students from Bend High School through Sparrow Clubs, a group dedicated to empowering children to help those in medical need, appeared in a video describing herself as a fighter who lives with joy despite her challenges. Students who worked with her found hope in her spirit, viewing it as proof of enduring humanity.

Saylor was transported to a hospital in Portland following the shooting. A Go-FundMe campaign established for her family has raised nearly $400,000.

Community members like Devon Johnson expressed the difficulty of processing the event, while also noting the community's strong support. "It's just hard to take in... I'm so glad to see that Bend is rallying and just wrapping its arms around this community, but it's going to take a long time to get through this," Johnson said.