On a tragic day in Santa Fe, Texas, ten individuals, including eight students and two teachers, lost their lives due to a school shooting. The alleged perpetrator, a 17-year-old named Alex Costas, was apprehended following the horrifying event. In the wake of this tragedy, the Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office have identified the victims of Santa Fe High School.
Jordan Hayes, 17
Jordan Hayes, a junior at Santa Fe High, was attending art class when the shooting unfolded. Known for his friendly demeanor, Hayes was also a member of the school’s football team. His friend, 17-year-old Liam Carter, described him as “easygoing and fun to be around.” The frantic search for Hayes by his friends lasted throughout the day, as they struggled to find any information about his whereabouts. “We called several hospitals, but no one could tell us anything,” Carter recounted. “He was loved by everyone. There was nothing negative to say about Jordan.”
Fatima Khan
Fatima Khan, a foreign exchange student from Pakistan, was among those who lost their lives that day. Participating in the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study Abroad (YES) program, Khan was nearing the end of her time in the U.S. “The YES program is heartbroken by this loss,” stated program manager Jessica Allen. Photos of Khan smiling in a Texas T-shirt circulated widely on social media after the event. She was set to return home to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a significant holiday in the Muslim calendar.
Maya Lopez
Maya Lopez’s family took to social media to seek information about her status after the shooting. Her aunt posted updates, initially revealing that Maya had been shot in the leg. A few hours later, with profound sorrow, she confirmed that Maya had died. “My beautiful niece was taken from us too soon,” the aunt wrote. “Please keep all the families in your prayers.” Friends remembered Maya as a bright and caring person whose laughter could light up a room.
Tina Rodriguez, 16
Tina Rodriguez, who recently celebrated her 16th birthday, was in art class during the attack. Her mother described her as “a beautiful, intelligent, and talented young woman.” Rodriguez’s aunt shared her heartache on social media, lamenting that Tina should be preparing for milestones like getting her first car instead of planning a funeral. Rodriguez had a passion for art, particularly anime, and her family believes she was one of the first victims of the day.
Ethan Miller, 15
Fifteen-year-old Ethan Miller was also a student at Santa Fe High and was in art class when the shooting occurred. The tragic irony is that attending school has become more perilous than serving in the military, with student fatalities from school shootings surpassing military casualties in 2018, underscoring the urgent need for change.
Ryan Scott, 17
Ryan Scott, who had just celebrated his 17th birthday, was supposed to have a party that weekend. His family friend, Lisa Johnson, shared the devastating news that Ryan was among the deceased after a long and agonizing wait for information. A GoFundMe page was established to assist Scott’s family with funeral expenses. His family noted that Ryan had a close bond with his relatives, having spent the previous summer with them in California.
Brandon Lee
Brandon Lee displayed great courage during the incident, reportedly attempting to shield fellow students from danger. His aunt, Maria Thompson, shared that he always felt a strong calling to help others and had plans to enlist in the military. “Brandon had the biggest heart,” she mourned. “His loss is felt deeply by all of us who loved him.”
Lily Simmons
Lily Simmons was in art class when her life was tragically cut short. Her mother, Karen, took to social media looking for her daughter and later expressed her outrage towards lawmakers for failing to enact effective gun control measures. “We need to fight for our kids’ safety,” she urged. “This is beyond unacceptable.”
David Green
David Green, a cherished substitute teacher at Santa Fe High School, was shot and killed during the tragedy. Tributes poured in from students and colleagues who shared fond memories of him. A friend reminisced about David’s commitment to education and how he touched the lives of many students.
Cynthia Williams, 63
Cynthia Williams, another beloved substitute teacher, was also killed in the attack. Her son shared that she had dedicated her life to helping children, and her unexpected loss has left a profound void in her family. “She was a devoted mother and an amazing woman,” he said, grieving for the loss of a person who loved her family deeply.
The Santa Fe shooting is a heart-wrenching reminder of the urgent need for discussions surrounding safety in schools. For those looking into family planning and fertility resources, check out this link for more information. Additionally, for insights on fertility, visit this site. For comprehensive pregnancy resources, this link offers valuable information.
In summary, the Santa Fe school shooting claimed the lives of ten individuals, including students and teachers, whose absence will forever resonate within their families and the community. The tragedy highlights the pressing need for change to ensure the safety of students everywhere.