By Noah Haglund, Diana Hefley and Rikki King, Herald Writers
nhaglund@heraldnet.com.
MARYSVILLE — Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, 14, died Friday, a week after she was shot in the head inside her high school cafeteria.
Her death occurred at 4:44 p.m. as a result of the injuries she suffered last week, said Dr. Anita Tsen, a critical care physician at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett. Tsen had been caring for the girl.
“The entire Providence family is deeply saddened by this news,” she said, urging reporters and others to give the girl’s family privacy to grieve.
Her family released this statement: “Our hearts are broken at the passing of our beautiful daughter. Shay means everything to us. In Shay’s short life she has been a radiant light bringing us incredible joy and happiness. She has been a loving daughter, a caring sister, a devoted friend and a wonderful part of our community. We can’t imagine life without her.
“We have been overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness and support of our family, friends and community. We are deeply grateful for all the acts of kindness that have come our way. We especially want to thank the medics and Providence staff who have cared for Shay.”
Her death brings the toll of the Oct. 24 violence at Marysville Pilchuck High School to four young people, including the shooter.
Two other victims remain hospitalized in Seattle, one of whom is in critical condition.
Today another of the victims, Zoe Galasso, will be buried today. A service took place for the shooter, Jay Fryberg, Thursday. Arrangements for Gia Soriano have not been announced.
Andrew Fryberg, 15, remained in critical condition in intensive care Friday at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, hospital spokeswoman Susan Gregg said. He was shot in the head. Nate Hatch, 14, underwent a successful surgery at Harborview, to help rebuild his jaw, and was listed in satisfactory condition Friday.
Earlier Friday, Archbishop Peter Sartain visited Marysville and Tulalip Catholic churches to comfort communities grieving after the shooting.
“The whole Christian community has been with you over the past week and my presence here is an expression of that,” Sartain told hundreds of worshipers at St. Mary Catholic Church.
The memorial Mass at the Marysville church began at 11 a.m., almost exactly a week after gunfire broke out in the school’s main cafeteria at 10:39 a.m. Oct. 24. Sartain led a smaller prayer service Friday afternoon at St. Anne Mission on the Tulalip Reservation. He delivered a message of forgiveness and mercy as people struggle through sorrow.
“There are indeed some questions that don’t have answers,” he said. “But they are questions, nevertheless that we must ask.”
The spiritual outreach came as teachers and students prepared to resume classes Monday at M-P. Gov. Jay Inslee has asked everyone in Washington to wear red and white on Monday, to show support.
Meanwhile, the Marysville School District has set aside private time Sunday to meet with students who witnessed the shooting and for high-school freshmen — classmates of the students involved. Families are welcome, too. The events Sunday are meant to provide a softer return for 1,200 M-P students who will resume classes the next day.
Monday’s school day is set to begin with a 10:30 a.m. assembly. Students will walk to the stadium at noon for a “fill-the-bleachers” event involving alumni. Lunches will be held in the gym and in a smaller cafeteria on campus. The main cafeteria, where the shooting occurred, remains closed indefinitely.
District Superintendent Becky Berg released a statement Friday.
“Our world changed last Friday when we experienced a senseless and heartbreaking tragedy, one that has rippled beyond the Marysville School District and felt throughout our community, state and nation,” she wrote. “Thank you especially to our friends and partners here in the Marysville community, including the Tulalip Tribes, Marysville Police Department and the city of Marysville.”
On Thursday, two M-P teachers placed the school’s flag at the lookout atop 5,324-foot Mount Pilchuck.
Fears over school safety haven’t been limited to Maryville Pilchuck. Police arrested two 16-year-old boys Thursday night in connection with threats against Arlington High School students. Arlington police increased their presence at schools Friday to provide extra security.
In Marysville and Tulalip, tributes to the victims of the mass shooting have proliferated. Ribbons, balloons and messages of support have appeared on trees, light poles and fences.
At St. Mary, the Rev. Dwight Lewis said his congregation includes many M-P students. He’s been telling them this is a time for forgiveness and mercy, not for judgment. The priest also has taken care to counsel parents.
“I’m encouraging parents to talk to their children,” Lewis said. “Tell them you love them. Let them know you’re there for them.”
Heritage Bank and the Marysville Rotary Club have set up a bank account to support the victims’ families. Donations can be brought to the bank at 1031 State Ave., Marysville. Call 360-657-3100 Donations may also be sent in care of the Marysville Rotary Education Foundation at P.O. Box 1875, Marysville, WA., 98270.
The Tulalip Tribes also are collecting donations for victims and their families. Donations can be mailed to the Tulalip Foundation, Attn: MPHS Relief Fund, 8825 34th Ave. NE L-242, Tulalip, WA 98271. Donations can also be made online at www.tulalipfoundation.org/Giving#donation.
Families and friends of victims have set up individual Internet accounts to accept donations for expenses. Marysville police ask donors to carefully research such accounts to make sure they are legitimate before donating.
Specific funds for victims:
Shaylee Chuckulnaskit: www.gofundme.com/shayleeadellechuck
Andrew Fryberg: www.gofundme.com/gakcno
Zoe Raine Galasso: www.gofundme.com/ga9oao
Nate Hatch: www.gofundme.com/gbkdg4
Gia Soriano: www.gofundme.com/giasoriano.
Please note that gofundme.com and other online fundraising accounts generally take a cut from the donations. Gofundme’s website says it takes nearly 8 percent of the money donated.
Harborview Medical Center in Seattle is accepting messages for victims Nate Hatch and Andrew Fryberg online at ow.ly/DtLml.
Victim Support Services has resources for those who need help, including crisis counselors: 425-252-6081 and 24/7 Hotline: 800-346-7555.
