BEND, OREGON — October 16, 2026. A heartbreaking development has emerged following the d3adly sh00ting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, as the family of a 5-year-old kindergarten student has publicly identified him as one of the children who lost their lives during Thursday’s att4ck.
The young victim was identified as Rhoam Summer, whose father, Kelik Summer, confirmed the devastating news in an emotional social media message.
Rhoam was among three children, ages 5, 8 and 11, who were k1lled when a 16-year-old gunman opened f1re inside the elementary school on October 15.
A teacher also lost their life, while a 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher suffered critical 1njuries.
The tragedy has left families across Bend mourning the loss of children whose school day ended in unimaginable vi0lence.
Rhoam Summer Was Only Five Years Old
Rhoam Summer was a kindergarten student at Silver Rail Elementary School.
At just five years old, he was among the youngest students attending the school, which serves children from kindergarten through fifth grade.
His identity became public after family members and fundraising organizers shared information about his passing.
Rhoam’s father, Kelik Summer, confirmed the loss in a message posted Thursday night.
The announcement quickly drew expressions of sympathy from community members and people following the tragedy across the United States.
Father Kelik Summer Confirms His Son’s Passing
In his emotional message, Kelik Summer described October 15 as the worst day of his life.
He confirmed that his son Rhoam had been k1lled in the school sh00ting and explained that the family was devastated.
Kelik also expressed appreciation for the relatives and friends surrounding the family during the difficult hours following the att4ck.
His statement was among the first public confirmations of a victim’s identity.
The family’s loss has resonated deeply with parents and community members who have expressed condolences and offered assistance.
Community Organizes Support for the Summer Family
Following the identification of Rhoam Summer, fundraising efforts were organized to assist his grieving family.
Supporters began sharing messages of sympathy and contributing to efforts intended to help the family during this difficult period.
The response reflected the impact of the tragedy beyond the immediate school community.
Residents of Bend and people from other parts of the country have expressed solidarity with the families affected.
The Summer family has been surrounded by relatives, friends and community members as they begin mourning Rhoam.
Three Children and a Teacher K1lled in Thursday’s Att4ck
According to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz, four people were k1lled during the October 15 incident.
The victims included three children, ages 5, 8 and 11, and one teacher.
Rhoam Summer, age 5, is the first young victim whose identity has been publicly confirmed by his family.
The names of the 8-year-old child, the 11-year-old child and the teacher had not been publicly confirmed in the reports reviewed.
Authorities have continued working with the affected families as the investigation progresses.
Two Other Victims Hospitalized With Critical 1njuries
In addition to the four people who lost their lives, two others were seriously 1njured.
A 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher were transported to St. Charles Medical Center following the att4ck.
Both were initially reported to be in critical condition.
Their names have not been publicly released.
The medical conditions of the surviving victims remain an important concern for the school community.
Officials have not provided a complete public update on their recovery.
Teenage Gunman Forced His Way Into the School
Police said the att4ck began shortly before 1 p.m. Thursday.
The first emergency call was received at approximately 12:59 p.m. from someone who reported being sh0t at outside the elementary school.
Additional emergency calls followed as the suspect entered the building.
According to Chief Mike Krantz, the teenager gained access by f1ring at locked doors.
Once inside, the suspect opened f1re.
Police officers arrived within minutes of the first emergency report.
John J. Griffin Identified as the Teenage Suspect
Law enforcement sources have identified the 16-year-old suspected gunman as John J. Griffin, a resident of Bend.
Some reports have published different versions of his full name, including John J. Griffin II and John Griffin Jr. III.
Authorities had not publicly resolved those naming discrepancies in the official information reviewed.
Investigators have not announced a confirmed motive for the att4ck.
They are examining the teenager’s background, digital activities and possible connection to the school.
Kaylub Giamanco Intervened During the Sh00ting
The att4ck ended when an armed community member confronted the teenage suspect inside the school.
That individual has been identified as Kaylub Giamanco, a Bend resident whose two daughters attend Silver Rail Elementary School.
According to police, Giamanco followed the gunman into the building and fatally sh0t him.
Giamanco’s family later released a statement expressing gratitude toward first responders, school personnel and the community.
The family also requested privacy as they processed the events.
Giamanco’s brother, Kyle Giamanco, told NBC News that Kaylub had been driving home for his lunch break when he heard gunfire near the school.
Governor Tina Kotek Responds to the Tragedy
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek expressed grief over the loss of the children and teacher.
During an official briefing, she acknowledged the devastating impact on families and the broader Bend community.
The governor also praised the intervention of the community member who stopped the gunman.
Her remarks reflected the anguish experienced by parents, educators and residents following the att4ck.
School District Cancels Classes Following the Incident
Steven Cook, superintendent of Bend-La Pine Schools, addressed the tragedy and expressed condolences to the affected families.
The school district canceled Friday classes and related activities following Thursday’s sh00ting.
Officials emphasized the importance of supporting students, teachers and employees during the aftermath.
Silver Rail Elementary School serves approximately 450 students.
The district is expected to continue coordinating assistance for families and staff as the community recovers.
Students Reunited With Families at Journey Church
After the att4ck, authorities organized an evacuation of the elementary school.
Students were transported to Journey Church, which served as a reunification center.
Parents and relatives gathered there while waiting to receive information about their children.
For many families, the reunion brought relief after hours of uncertainty.
For others, the day ended with devastating news.
The school community continues to face the emotional consequences of the incident.
Investigators Examine How the Suspect Obtained the Weapon
Investigators have identified the firearm used in the att4ck as a shotgun reportedly purchased by the teenager’s mother.
Law enforcement sources said the weapon had been obtained before Thursday’s incident.
Authorities are investigating how the suspect gained access to it and whether any warning signs existed.
No motive has been publicly established.
The investigation includes assistance from federal law enforcement agencies.
Flowers and Memorials Appear Outside Silver Rail Elementary
Following the tragedy, flowers, candles, balloons and stuffed animals began appearing near Silver Rail Elementary School.
The memorials reflect the community’s grief for the children and teacher who lost their lives.
Residents also gathered for vigils and moments of remembrance.
Rhoam Summer’s identification has given the public a name to remember among the youngest victims.
For his family, however, the loss is deeply personal.
He was not simply a victim in a national headline, but a five-year-old child whose loved ones are now facing life without him.
Rhoam Summer Remembered as Family Faces Heartbreaking Loss
The identification of Rhoam Summer, age 5, has brought renewed attention to the human cost of the October 15 sh00ting.
His father, Kelik Summer, publicly confirmed his passing and described the devastation experienced by the family.
Two other children and a teacher also lost their lives, while a student and another teacher were critically 1njured.
The teenage suspect was fatally sh0t after Kaylub Giamanco intervened.
As investigators continue working to establish a motive and reconstruct the events, the Bend community is remembering those whose lives were lost.
A Final Goodbye to Five-Year-Old Rhoam Summer
Rhoam Summer was only beginning his educational journey as a kindergarten student at Silver Rail Elementary School.
On Thursday, October 15, his young life ended during an act of vi0lence that has devastated families across Oregon.
His father, Kelik Summer, has spoken publicly about the family’s heartbreak, while friends and community members have offered their support.
The identities of the other victims remain the subject of ongoing public updates.
As Bend mourns three children and a teacher, the name Rhoam Summer has become a heartbreaking reminder of the young lives lost and the families forever changed by the tragedy.
The community continues to honor his memory while awaiting further information from investigators.