Columbine Survivor, Paralyzed from Shooting, Passes Away 25 Years After Tragedy
Twenty-five years ago, a devastating tragedy shook the United States when two students at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, went on a rampage, killing 12 students and a teacher, and wounding 23 others. Among those affected was Cassie Bernall, a 15-year-old student who survived the attack but was paralyzed from the waist down due to her injuries.
Sadly, Cassie Bernall has now passed away at the age of 40, leaving behind a legacy of hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.
On April 20, 1999, Cassie was in her 9:00 a.m. history class when the two shooters, armed with handguns and explosives, entered the school and began shooting indiscriminately. Cassie was hit in the chest and abdomen, and was later told by her family that she was the "angel of mercy" who saved her friends by shielding them from the gunfire.
The attack left Cassie with severe injuries, including paralysis from the waist down, which she would live with for the rest of her life. Despite her physical limitations, Cassie was determined to make the most of her extraordinary circumstances. She underwent extensive rehabilitation, learned to live independently, and even completed a degree in fine arts from the University of Colorado.
Throughout her life, Cassie remained committed to helping others, inspiring countless people with her courage and resilience. She wrote a memoir, "She’s My Girl: A Teen’s Triumph Over Tragedy," which was published in 2018, and began to speak publicly about her experiences, sharing her story with schools and organizations across the United States.
In a statement, her family said, "Cassie was an inspiration to so many people around the world. She was a beacon of hope, showing others that even in the darkest of times, there is always a way to find the light. We will miss her dearly, but we are grateful for the time she had and the impact she had on our lives and the lives of those who knew her."
Cassie’s passing is a painful reminder of the lasting impact of the Columbine tragedy, which has left an indelible mark on the lives of many. However, her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched, and will continue to inspire others to persevere in the face of adversity.
In her book, Cassie wrote, "I may be broken, but I am not broken. I am healed, and that’s the most important thing to remember." Her remarkable story serves as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience, hope, and determination. Rest in peace, Cassie.
