Boy, 14, Sent Text to Mom Before Dying in a Mass Shooting at Apalachee High School
A tragic event unfolded at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, when 14-year-old Mason Schermerhorn was among four students killed in a heartbreaking mass shooting. Before his death, Mason sent a text to his mother from a school restroom, expressing his fear during the chaos. It was a devastating final message filled with love and worry.
Mason’s family is now grappling with unimaginable grief. His sister, Alanna Wallace, shared the kind of person Mason was—full of life, energy, and kindness. Despite being diagnosed with autism, Mason never let it hold him back. He was learning to play the trumpet to be like his older sister, loved playing video games, and had a passion for visiting amusement parks. Alanna described her little brother as someone who embraced everyone, no matter their differences.
On the day of the shooting, youth minister Ronald Clark, a family friend, rushed to help Mason’s mother find her son. She believed he was safe, having received a text from him saying he was hiding in the restroom. Tragically, Clark later learned that Mason was among the victims.
The 14-year-old shooter, Colt Gray, will be charged as an adult. In the aftermath of this horrific incident, Alanna is finding strength through her friends and the memories of Mason’s bright, loving spirit.
The devastating tragedy that unfolded at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia has left the community shattered. The loss of Mason Schermerhorn, a 14-year-old student who sent a heartbreaking text to his mother before succumbing to the senseless violence, has left a deep wound in the hearts of all who knew him.
Mason’s family is now facing unimaginable grief as they come to terms with the loss of their beloved son and brother. Despite his autism diagnosis, Mason was a vibrant and kind-hearted young boy who touched the lives of those around him. His sister, Alanna Wallace, fondly remembers him as someone who embraced everyone, regardless of their differences. Mason’s love for life, music, video games, and amusement parks will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
The events of that tragic day have left a lasting impact on the community, as they come together to mourn the loss of not only Mason but of three other students who lost their lives in the shooting. The shooter, 14-year-old Colt Gray, will face adult charges for his heinous actions, further highlighting the severity of this devastating incident.
In the midst of their grief, Mason’s family and friends are finding solace in each other and in the memories of his bright and loving spirit. The outpouring of support from the community has been a source of strength during this difficult time, as they come to terms with the senseless loss of a young life filled with potential and promise.
As the world mourns the loss of these young souls, we must come together to support one another and work towards preventing such tragedies from ever happening again. The memory of Mason and the other victims will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them, serving as a reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of coming together in times of sorrow.
