Rhoam Summer, the 5-year-old boy killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, is being remembered by his family as a joyful, energetic child who loved stuffed animals, sea creatures, and dinosaurs. His aunt, Swan Sheridan, shared memories of her nephew on Friday, according to The Associated Press (AP).
A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to support the Summer family as they grieve the loss of their young son.
Who Was Rhoam Summer?
Rhoam was one of three children killed in Thursday’s shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, along with teacher Meghan Lambert, according to AP. The other two children killed were ages 8 and 11.
Sheridan, whose sister is Rhoam’s mother, described him as a child with a big heart and an adventurous spirit.
“He never met a stuffie that he didn’t think needed to be rescued and cared for,” Sheridan said, according to AP.
Rhoam loved sea creature stuffed animals and wanted them in his favorite color: rainbow. He was also fascinated by sharks, dinosaurs, and creatures he considered misunderstood.
“He had a great fondness for sharks and dinosaurs and creatures that were, in his words, ‘misunderstood,’” Sheridan said.
His aunt also recalled his boundless energy. Rhoam loved climbing and jumping off things and was an exceptionally fast runner for his age.
“He was a little ball of energy from the moment he was born,” Sheridan said. She also remembered him as “a very, very happy child.”
Her memories offered a glimpse of the young boy’s personality and the interests that made him special to his family.
GoFundMe Campaign Launched for the Summer Family
A GoFundMe campaign titled “Supporting the Summer Family” has been created to help Rhoam’s family following his death.
The fundraising page describes the loss of the 5-year-old as heartbreaking and acknowledges that words cannot ease the pain of losing a child.
The campaign organizers are asking the community to offer the family compassion, kindness, and practical support during this difficult period.
According to the fundraiser, donations will help ease the burden of everyday responsibilities, allowing the family to spend time together and grieve without additional financial pressure.
The page also encourages people who cannot donate to consider sending a gift card or keeping the family in their thoughts and prayers.
The organizers say every gesture of kindness can make a difference as the family navigates the days ahead.
What Happened at Silver Rail Elementary School?
The shooting occurred Thursday at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, a city in central Oregon surrounded by mountains.
Police said 16-year-old Griffin J. John II entered the school by shooting through locked doors. Authorities said he had previously been a special needs student at the school and attacked a classroom where students with special needs were present.
Police Chief Mike Krantz said a parent saw the gunman firing outside the school, followed him inside, and shot him several times.
The parent was identified as Kaylub Giamanco by his mother, Kenda Freeman, in a statement read to reporters on Friday.
Police found the teenage suspect dead inside the school minutes after the first emergency calls, Krantz said.
Three children, including Rhoam, and teacher Meghan Lambert were killed in the shooting. Another student and a teacher were wounded.
As the investigation continues, Rhoam’s family is left mourning a young boy remembered for his energy, curiosity, and affection for the stuffed animals and creatures he loved.