Megan Lambert, a 25-year-old teacher and volleyball coach, was among four people killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Oregon. Her family remembered her as a compassionate educator who cared deeply about children, especially those with special needs.
Megan Lambert, a 25-year-old elementary school teacher and volleyball coach, has been identified as one of four people killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Oregon, according to reports.
Lambert, who grew up in Bend, was remembered by her family as a devoted educator with a generous spirit and a strong commitment to helping children. The family paid tribute to her during a press conference on Friday, describing her as someone who consistently stood up for people who needed support.
“To tell you about who Megan was would take 25 years,” the family said in a statement shared during the press conference.
“Megan was compassionate and had a huge heart. She always fought for the underdog, especially those with special needs. She was an incredible sister, daughter, niece, and granddaughter. She was funny, opinionated, and lit up the room,” the statement continued.
Megan Lambert Loved Teaching and Helping Children
Lambert graduated from Boise State University in May 2023 and began her first teaching job at Silver Rail Elementary School. She had also worked as a substitute teacher at the school for several years, according to her family.
The school held a special place in her life, and her family said becoming a teacher there had been a long-held dream.
“She loved Silver Rail. This was her dream job,” the family said.
Beyond the classroom, Lambert was passionate about volleyball and coached children in the sport. Her family said she declined additional coaching pay so that children whose families could not afford participation fees would still have the opportunity to play.
Her commitment to making sports accessible reflected the compassion and generosity her loved ones described in their tribute.
Four People Killed in the School Shooting
Lambert was killed alongside three children, aged five, eight, and 11, according to reports.
The youngest victim was identified as five-year-old Rhoam Summer. He was described as a “very bright and mischievous” boy who had recently started kindergarten.
The reports identified the suspected shooter as 16-year-old Griffin John, who was fatally shot inside a special education classroom after a bystander intervened.
The bystander was identified as Kaylub Giamanco. Lambert’s family expressed gratitude for his actions while acknowledging the emotional toll the incident may have taken on him.
“We know that the bystander is going through a rough time, but we are grateful, and we think that he is a hero,” the family said.
Teacher Becky Drury Recovering After Surgery
Another teacher, 54-year-old Becky Drury, was critically wounded in the shooting, according to police and media reports.
Her husband, Will Drury, said the family’s immediate priority was her recovery and supporting their loved ones through the aftermath.
“Right now, our focus is on my wife, Becky, and her recovery, and on supporting our family through an unimaginably difficult time,” he said in a statement to NBC News and The New York Times.
Drury’s daughter-in-law, Yvonne Drury, shared additional information about her injuries on social media. She said the teacher had been shot through her left arm and right hand and was recovering in hospital after undergoing surgery.
As the victims’ families face the aftermath of the shooting, Lambert’s loved ones are remembering a teacher whose dedication extended beyond her classroom. Their tribute highlighted her commitment to children, her love of teaching, and her efforts to ensure more young people could participate in the activities they enjoyed.