‘She lit up the room’: Oregon school shooting victim Megan Lambert remembered for helping others
WASHINGTON, DC: Megan Lambert, a 25-year-old first-time teacher, was among four people killed in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, October 15. Her family remembered her as a compassionate woman who loved teaching, coached volleyball and always tried to help others.
Bend city officials identified Lambert on Friday. Her loved ones said her position at the elementary school was her “dream job.”
Megan Lambert's family remembers her kindness and love for children
Lambert grew up in Bend and was a native of Central Oregon, according to her family. In a tribute, her loved ones described her as someone who “was compassionate and had a huge heart.”
“She was an incredible sister, daughter, niece and granddaughter. Her friends became her family,” they said. “She was funny and opinionated, and she lit up the room.”
Lambert also loved sports, especially volleyball, and worked as a coach. Her family said she once turned down pay for her first coaching season so children from families who could not afford to participate could still play.
“She actually turned down pay for her first season as a coach, so families who couldn’t afford to participate could have the chance to play the sport she loved,” her loved ones said.
They also remembered her for standing up for those who needed support.
“She always fought for the underdog and those with special needs,” they added.
The tribute painted a picture of a young teacher who wanted to make a difference in children's lives, both inside and outside the classroom.
Five-year-old Rhoam Summer among Oregon school shooting victims
The shooting also killed three students aged five, eight, and 11. The youngest victim, Rhoam Summer, was identified by his father, Kelik Summer, in a Facebook post.
The father said the family was “broken and lost” following Rhoam's death.
Friends launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to support the family, writing, “There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a child, and no family should ever have to experience a loss like this.”
The fundraising page said the money would help the family focus on grieving and spending time together.
Rhoam's grandfather, Bryan Jolly, remembered him as “very bright and very mischievous and very fun-loving,” according to The New York Times.
The other two children killed, an eight-year-old boy and an 11-year-old boy, had not been publicly identified in the reports provided.
Oregon school shooting investigation continues
The shooting left a 54-year-old teacher and a seven-year-old student injured. Both were taken to a local hospital.
Authorities identified the suspected gunman as 16-year-old Griffin John II. A bystander, Kaylub Giamanco, intervened and helped take down the gunman, according to statements from Oregon Gov Tina Kotek and police on Thursday.
Police have not established a motive for the shooting. Authorities acknowledged the unanswered questions, saying, “Everyone wants to know why, including us.”
A GoFundMe fundraising hub has since been established to support those affected by the tragedy.
