Family of Arapahoe High shooting victim: ‘We were truly blessed’
Claire Davis, the 17-year-old who died Saturday after she was shot in the head at Arapahoe High School in Centennial, Colo., nine days ago, brought grace, laughter and light to the world, family members said.
“Although we lost our precious daughter, we will always be grateful for the indelible journey she took us on over the last 17 years -- we were truly blessed to be Claire’s parents,” the family wrote in a statement.
The qualities she brought to the world “will not be extinguished by her death; to the contrary, it will only get stronger,” they wrote.
She died at 4:29 p.m., according to the Littleton Adventist Hospital’s Facebook page. Her family was at her side.
Davis was shot at point-blank range by Karl Halverson Pierson, 18, who then turned the gun on himself. Pierson reportedly was looking for his debate coach when he entered the school Dec. 13 armed with a shotgun, a machete and incendiary devices.
In the statement, the Davis family credited those who helped them deal with the tragedy, including the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s office, school officials and the physicians, nurses and staff at the hospital.
Davis’ death came just days after students were allowed back on the campus for the first time since the shooting to retrieve belongings.
Hospital officials said on Facebook that a public celebration of her life will be announced later. The hospital will continue to accept cards for the Davis family in the “Cards for Claire” box at its main entrance.
Since the shooting, there has been an outpouring of support for Davis and her family from community members and people around the world, including a video message from the pop group One Direction, said to be her favorite band.
Here are some of the many reactions on Twitter:
RIP Claire. Nobody deserves what you and your family endured but you enlightened us of how a community can become a family. Rest in peace ¿¿¿¿— Ashley Pinto (@ashleypintoo) December 22, 2013
RIP Claire. You will forever be my hero. You’re in an amazing place with amazing people. We all love you dearly. #HeroicClaire ¿¿¿¿¿¿— Kade Castleberry (@Kadecastleberry) December 22, 2013
RIP Claire Davis. I dream of a world where we don’t lose people to senseless violence.— anh (@anh62950) December 22, 2013
RIP Claire! You were such an amazing WARRIOR and your strength/ compassion should show everyone to be grateful during this Christmas season— Colton Williams (@cbwilliams9) December 22, 2013
I’d love to see Denver media “donate” 17 precious seconds of silence Monday am in honor of @prayforclaired. I’ll do it. #17SecondsForClaire— Steffan Tubbs (@TubbsKOA) December 22, 2013
RIP Claire Davis. Fly with the angels.— Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) December 22, 2013
#ripclaire Thank you for all for your continued love and prayers.— Pray For Claire D. (@prayforclaired) December 22, 2013
[For the Record, 8:15 a.m. PST Dec. 22: A previous version of this post, in its first reference to Claire Davis, incorrectly gave her first name as Grace.]
ALSO:
New Jersey Gov. Christie signs version of Dream Act into law
2 Colorado teens arrested in alleged plot to shoot up their school
Federal judge backs same-sex marriages in Utah; state to appeal
Twitter: @saba_h
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
