The community of Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, is grieving after a tragic mass shooting on Wednesday that left two students and two teachers dead, along with nine others injured. The incident is another reminder of the ongoing gun violence in the country.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the victims as Richard Aspinwall, 39, Christina Irimie, 53, and students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14. Among the injured were eight students and one teacher.
Apalachee High School teacher Stephen Kreyenbuhl spoke about the emotional impact of losing his colleagues, Aspinwall and Irimie, describing them as dedicated to their students. “They made a difference,” he said, adding how hard it will be to move forward without them.
About the victims:
Richard Aspinwall, a math teacher, was remembered by students as kind and supportive.
Sophomore Ariel Bowling recalled how he always pushed his students to excel. Michael Gordon, another student, described him as a good man who made a lasting impact. Aspinwall also served as an assistant football coach, and the Apalachee Wildcats football team paid tribute to him, expressing their deep sorrow over his loss.
Christina Irmie, another math teacher at the school, was known for her warmth and humor. Isaac Sanguma, a student, mentioned that although he struggled with math, Irimie never made him feel inadequate and often lightened the mood with her corny jokes.
Christian Angulo, 14, was remembered by his sister as a kind and caring young boy who was loved by many. His sudden death left his family devastated.
Mason Schermerhorn, also 14, was a student at Apalachee High School.