BEND, Oregon — October 20, 2026. Flowers, candles, stuffed animals and four white crosses have transformed the area outside Silver Rail Elementary School into a place of remembrance after a sh00ting claimed the l1ves of three children and a beloved teacher.
Families, students and community members have gathered outside the school to honor Megan Lambert, 25, Rhoam Summer, 5, and two other young boys, ages 8 and 11, who lost their l1ves in the October 15 attack.
As Bend mourns the four victims, residents are also praying for the recovery of Saylor Graham, 7, and teacher Becky Drury, 54, who survived the incident but suffered serious injur1es.
Authorities identified Griffin J. John II, 16, a former student at the school, as the person responsible for the attack. He also lost his l1fe after an armed parent intervened.
Four White Crosses Honor the Children and Teacher
Outside Silver Rail Elementary School, a growing memorial has become a gathering place for families trying to process the loss.
Four white crosses decorated with blue hearts stand in remembrance of the victims.
Visitors have left flowers, balloons, candles, handwritten messages, children’s books and stuffed animals.
Some have stood quietly in prayer, while others have embraced family members and friends.
The memorial represents four individuals whose absence has deeply affected the school community.
Three were children whose school years had only just begun or were still unfolding. The fourth was an educator remembered for her compassion and dedication.
Remembering Teacher Megan Lambert
Megan Lambert, 25, was a teacher who had found her calling in helping children with special educational needs.
She graduated from Mountain View High School in 2019 and Boise State University in 2023.
Lambert initially worked as a substitute teacher at Silver Rail Elementary before obtaining a permanent teaching position.
Her family explained that working at the school had been a dream she was proud to fulfill.
Loved ones described her as compassionate, caring and deeply committed to students who needed additional support.
Her passing has left an absence among the children, families and colleagues who knew her.
At the memorial, her name stands alongside those of the three students who also lost their l1ves.
Five-Year-Old Rhoam Summer Remembered by His Family
Among the youngest victims was Rhoam Summer, 5, a kindergarten student.
His family remembered him as an affectionate and playful little boy who loved spending time with the people closest to him.
His grandfather, Brad Jolly, recalled the child’s enthusiasm for riding his scooter, reading books and sharing hugs.
The loss has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from families across Oregon and beyond.
Rhoam’s parents have also retained attorneys to examine the school’s security procedures and how the attacker obtained the weapon used during the incident.
The family’s effort seeks answers about what happened and whether additional safeguards could have prevented the loss.
Two Other Children Are Also Remembered
The other two students who lost their l1ves were boys ages 8 and 11.
Bend police have not publicly released their names, honoring their families’ requests for privacy.
Despite their identities remaining private, the community has included both children in memorial services and tributes.
Their families are among those facing the difficult reality of continuing life without their loved ones.
At Silver Rail Elementary, all three children are being remembered together with Megan Lambert.
Prayers Continue for Saylor Graham and Becky Drury
While the community remembers the four victims, attention remains on two survivors.
Saylor Graham, 7, suffered serious injur1es and was transported for specialized medical treatment.
Becky Drury, 54, a teacher who worked with students requiring special educational support, was also hospitalized.
Both survived the attack, and their recoveries have become a focus of community support.
Family members and supporters have expressed gratitude for the prayers, donations and messages received.
The community continues hoping for their healing while recognizing the long physical and emotional recovery that may lie ahead.
Police Identify Griffin J. John II as the Attacker
Investigators identified the suspected attacker as Griffin J. John II, 16, who previously attended Silver Rail Elementary School.
Police said the teenager approached the school on October 15 carrying a shotgun.
He entered the school grounds and gained access to the building after firing through locked glass doors.
The attack occurred in a classroom serving students with special educational needs.
Authorities said the teenager fired approximately 15 rounds before the incident ended.
Investigators are still working to establish his motive and determine how he obtained the weapon.
His mother, Shauntai Nickerson, has been identified in reporting concerning the shotgun’s purchase. Authorities have not established that she knowingly facilitated the attack.
Parent Kaylub Giamanco Helped Stop the Attack
Police credited the actions of a teacher and a parent with preventing additional harm.
An educator confronted the attacker, throwing a cellphone and physically struggling with him.
Another person, Kaylub Giamanco, 36, a father of two students at the school, entered the building carrying a legally possessed firearm.
Giamanco confronted Griffin J. John II and fatally sh0t him before police reached the classroom.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz praised the intervention and said the actions of the teacher and parent likely prevented further casualties.
Giamanco’s mother, Kenda Freeman, later confirmed her son’s involvement and shared that he was grateful for the support offered by the community.
The family of Megan Lambert also expressed appreciation for those who acted to protect students.
Bend Police Continue Investigating the Incident
The investigation remains active as authorities examine the attacker’s actions, the weapon involved and the school’s security procedures.
Police have identified the firearm as a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun.
Investigators are reviewing evidence collected from the school and the suspect’s residence.
The question of how the teenager obtained access to the weapon remains an important part of the investigation.
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook has also addressed the district’s security measures, including cameras, door locks, fencing and emergency drills.
The district continues reviewing its response to the incident and the needs of students and staff.
A Community United in Remembrance
The events at Silver Rail Elementary have affected far more than the families directly involved.
Students, parents, teachers and residents have gathered for vigils, offered assistance and left personal tributes outside the school.
Some children have written messages of hope in chalk, while adults have placed flowers beside the four crosses.
The memorial serves as a place where families can remember those who are gone and express support for those still recovering.
For many residents, the gatherings are also an opportunity to stand together during a period of profound grief.
Four Lives Remembered, Two Survivors Still in the Community’s Prayers
As the investigation continues, the names of Megan Lambert and Rhoam Summer remain central to the community’s remembrance, alongside the two boys whose families have requested privacy.
Residents are also keeping Saylor Graham and Becky Drury in their thoughts as they continue recovering.
The four white crosses outside Silver Rail Elementary School stand as a tribute to the children and teacher who will not return to their classrooms.
Bend continues to honor four lives lost, support two survivors and remember the courage of those who intervened during the October 15 school sh00ting.
For the families, the memorial is more than a collection of flowers and candles. It is a reminder that their loved ones will not be forgotten.
