Jaelynn Willey, who was shot in the head by an armed student at Great Mills High School in southern Maryland, died on Thursday night after her family made the decision to take her off life support.
The death toll from the gun violence rose to two fatalities, including the shooter who died after being wounded from a simultaneous shoot-out during a confrontation with the school's deputy officer.
Willey's mother told reporters Jaelynn was brain dead and had no life left in her as a result of the shooting.
My daughter was hurt by a boy who shot her in the head and took everything from our lives.
St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office issued a statement announcing the family's heartbreaking decision.
The gunman, 17-year-old Austin Rollins, was also a student who had just come out of a relationship with Willey. Authorities suspected Rollins shot her in the school hallway using his father's handgun.
This recent school shooting followed February's Parkland, Florida, mass shooting that claimed 17 lives.
Willey was one of two victims. The other was a 14-year-old male student who sustained a gunshot to his leg and was recently released from the hospital.
Tributes have poured in. Willey's uncle, Timothy Cormier, shared his grief on Facebook, writing, "You are truly the most caring, thoughtful, sweet, beautiful young lady I have ever met. I meant every word about your beautiful smile and heart."
Willey was the second oldest of nine children, and Cormier told CNN that she was a role model for her siblings who "selflessly took care of them."
I'm gonna miss all your silly snapchats. I'm gonna miss all our crazy jet ski rides and tubing with you brothers and sister. I'm gonna miss your infectious laugh. I'm gonna miss you playing with TJ the most though. I'm sorry there wasn't anymore i could do to help you. I hope you and mom are now up in heaven having a blast. Have fun swimming as fast as you can in those clouds! I love you and miss you for eternity. Until we meet again. Rest easy sweet heart.
The governor of Maryland expressed his condolences. But to outraged citizens, they were only words.
Results from Rollins's autopsy determining whether he died from his own shots or one fired by the school resource officer Blaine Gaskill are being held until the end of the week, according to the Sheriff's spokeswoman Corporal Julie Yingling.
Willey's YouCaring page so far raised over $84,000 to cover for hospital costs.
The 16-year-old's death came before the nationwide march for tighter gun reform on Saturday.
And the pressure on lawmakers for strict gun control continues.
@JamesTate121/X
