Introduction
On May 20, 1999, the small town of Columbine, Colorado was shaken by a horrific tragedy. Two students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, armed with guns and explosives, opened fire on their classmates at Columbine High School, killing 13 people and injuring 23 others. The massacre remains one of the deadliest school shootings in American history.
The killings at Columbine sent shockwaves through the nation and sparked a national debate about gun violence and school safety. In the years since the tragedy, much has been written and said about the events of that day. But what has been lost in the ongoing discussion is the human toll of the shooting. The families of the victims have been left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives, and the survivors continue to live with the physical and emotional scars of that day.
| Victim | Age | Cause of Death |
|----------------- |------ |---------------------- |
| Daniel Rohrbough | 15 | Gunshot wounds |
| Dave Sanders | 47 | Gunshot wounds |
| Rachel Scott | 17 | Gunshot wounds |
| Eric Harris | 18 | Self-inflicted gunshot wound |
| Dylan Klebold | 17 | Self-inflicted gunshot wound |
| Lauren Townsend | 18 | Gunshot wounds |
| John Tomlin | 16 | Gunshot wounds |
| Kelly Fleming | 16 | Gunshot wounds |
| Steven Curnow | 14 | Gunshot wounds |
| Cassie Bernall | 17 | Gunshot wounds |
| Isaiah Shoels | 18 | Gunshot wounds |
| Matthew Kechter | 16 | Gunshot wounds |
| Daniel Mauser | 15 | Gunshot wounds |
The Victims
The victims of the Columbine shooting were a diverse group of students and staff members. They ranged in age from 14 to 47, and they came from all walks of life. Some were star athletes, while others were quiet and unassuming. But they all had one thing in common: they were innocent victims of a senseless tragedy.
The youngest victim was Daniel Rohrbough, a 15-year-old freshman. Daniel was a bright and promising young man who loved to play basketball and spend time with his family. He was shot and killed in the school library while trying to help a fellow student.
The oldest victim was Dave Sanders, a 47-year-old teacher. Dave was a beloved history teacher who had dedicated his life to educating his students. He was shot and killed in the school cafeteria while trying to protect his students.
Rachel Scott was a 17-year-old senior who was known for her kindness and compassion. Rachel was shot and killed in the school courtyard while trying to flee from the gunmen.
Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold were the two gunmen who carried out the attack. Harris was 18 years old, and Klebold was 17 years old. Both boys were students at Columbine High School, and they had a history of being bullied and ostracized by their classmates.
Lauren Townsend was an 18-year-old senior who was known for her outgoing personality and her love of life. Lauren was shot and killed in the school library while trying to help a fellow student.
John Tomlin was a 16-year-old sophomore who was known for his athleticism and his love of sports. John was shot and killed in the school cafeteria while trying to protect his friends.
Kelly Fleming was a 16-year-old sophomore who was known for her intelligence and her love of reading. Kelly was shot and killed in the school library while trying to help a fellow student.
Steven Curnow was a 14-year-old freshman who was known for his kindness and his love of animals. Steven was shot and killed in the school cafeteria while trying to protect his friends.
Cassie Bernall was a 17-year-old senior who was known for her faith and her love of God. Cassie was shot and killed in the school library while trying to help a fellow student.
Isaiah Shoels was an 18-year-old senior who was known for his athleticism and his love of basketball. Isaiah was shot and killed in the school cafeteria while trying to protect his friends.
Matthew Kechter was a 16-year-old sophomore who was known for his intelligence and his love of learning. Matthew was shot and killed in the school library while trying to help a fellow student.
Daniel Mauser was a 15-year-old freshman who was known for his kindness and his love of music. Daniel was shot and killed in the school library while trying to help a fellow student.
| Survivor | Age | Injuries |
|------------------- |------ |------------------------ |
| Richard Castaldo | 17 | Gunshot wounds |
| Emily Wyant | 15 | Gunshot wounds |
| Austin Eubanks | 17 | Gunshot wounds |
| Kellie Scott | 17 | Gunshot wounds |
| Patrick Ireland | 17 | Gunshot wounds |
| Nicole Nowlen | 16 | Gunshot wounds |
| Mark Taylor | 16 | Gunshot wounds |
| Danielle Johnson | 16 | Gunshot wounds |
| Michael Johnson | 15 | Gunshot wounds |
| Diana Hopper | 17 | Gunshot wounds |
| Steve Curnow | 14 | Gunshot wounds |
| Lance Kirklin | 16 | Gunshot wounds |
| Kristi Epling | 15 | Gunshot wounds |
| Bree Pasquale | 15 | Gunshot wounds |
| Aaron Cohen | 17 | Gunshot wounds, brain |
| Kalpana Mohan | 18 | Gunshot wounds |
| Sean Graves | 15 | Gunshot wounds |
| Dave Sanders | 17 | Gunshot wounds |
| Mike Kane | 17 | Gunshot wounds |
| John Savage | 15 | Gunshot wounds |
| Stephanie Hart | 14 | Gunshot wounds |
| Brooks Brown | 18 | Gunshot wounds |
| David Pettit | 16 | Gunshot wounds |
| Craig Scott | 17 | Gunshot wounds |
The Survivors
The survivors of the Columbine shooting have faced their own unique challenges in the years since the tragedy. Some have struggled with physical injuries, while others have struggled with emotional trauma. Many survivors have had to deal with the guilt of surviving while their friends and loved ones were killed.
Richard Castaldo was a 17-year-old senior who was shot and injured in the school library. Richard was shot in the leg and the back, and he spent several months in the hospital recovering from his injuries.
Emily Wyant was a 15-year-old freshman who was shot and injured in the school cafeteria. Emily was shot in the leg, and she spent several weeks in the hospital recovering from her injuries.
Austin Eubanks was a 17-year-old senior who was shot and injured in the school library. Austin was shot in the chest, and he spent several months in the hospital recovering from his injuries.
Kellie Scott was a 17-year-old senior who was shot and injured in the school library. Kellie was shot in the arm, and she spent several weeks in the hospital recovering from her injuries.
Patrick Ireland was a 17-year-old senior who was shot and injured in the school cafeteria. Patrick was shot in the leg, and he spent several weeks in the hospital recovering from his injuries.
Nicole Nowlen was a 16-year-old sophomore who was shot and injured in the school library. Nicole was shot in the leg, and she spent several weeks in the hospital recovering from her injuries.
Mark Taylor was a 16-year-old sophomore who was shot and injured in the school cafeteria. Mark was shot in the leg, and he spent several weeks in the hospital recovering from his injuries.
Danielle Johnson was a 16-year-old sophomore who was shot and injured in the school library. Danielle was shot in the leg, and she spent several weeks in the hospital recovering from her injuries.
Michael Johnson was a 15-year-old freshman who was shot and injured in the school
