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CROSS-SPECTRUM

5-year-old kindergarten student identified as youngest victim in Oregon school shooting

A 5-year-old boy named Rhoad Summer was confirmed as the youngest victim of Thursday's mass shooting at an Oregon elementary school.

Kelik Summer announced on a Facebook community page that his 5-year-old son, Rhoad Summer, who started kindergarten last month, was the youngest victim of Thursday's mass shooting at an Oregon elementary school. The tragedy also injured a 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher, both hospitalized in critical condition. Law enforcement reports indicate the shooter, a teenager, employed a pump-action shotgun purchased by his mother, threw the weapon over a fence, and forced his way inside after being chased by a community member.

The suspect was later found dead, and authorities treated the victims before evacuating the school, which serves roughly 400 to 450 students. A Meal Train page launched Thursday has collected more than $12,500 for the Summer family, while Basic Beginnings daycare had previously noted Rhoad's recent enrollment.

Why it matters

The death of a kindergartner highlights the ongoing threat of school shootings and their impact on families and communities.

How this story developed

  1. Oct 15 Shooter wounded multiple people at Oregon elementary before being killed by police
  2. Oct 16 The reported death toll has been updated from initial figures to five, including the shooter.
  3. Oct 16 Investigators identified the shooter as John Griffin of Bend, Oregon.

In this story

school shootingyoungest victimpump-action shotguncommunity responsecritical injuries
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