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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.
This is Melissa Willey. Her daughter Jaelynn was shot this week at her high school where she was a member of the sw… https://t.co/0afTFBUQIf— Megan Pringle (@Megan Pringle) 1521795707.0
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.
Governor Hogan tweeting out his condolences this evening: "It is with terribly broken hearts that we learn of the t… https://t.co/gsXRSJo4ID— George Solis (@George Solis) 1521773630.0
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.
Since the shooting on Tuesday authorities has so far announced the accused shooter, 17 year old Austin Rollins had… https://t.co/mdpD1JDP23— George Solis (@George Solis) 1521763105.0
This recent school shooting followed February's Parkland, Florida, mass shooting that claimed 17 lives.
@MeganWBAL @wbaltv11 This is tragic for so many reasons. 1. This girl was a target because she broke up with the bo… https://t.co/pt6VyNrYjD— RMB on a Mission🖖🏼 (@RMB on a Mission🖖🏼) 1521809864.0
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.
It is with terribly broken hearts that we learn of the tragic news regarding Jaelynn Willey. There are no words ade… https://t.co/ulQmxskFmm— Governor Larry Hogan (@Governor Larry Hogan) 1521768066.0
@GovLarryHogan So Mr. Hogan...with all due respect, what are you going to do about it? Are you willing to put yours… https://t.co/8hqI6dTPhv— emma (@emma) 1521808634.0
@GovLarryHogan What do you mean "no words"? How about ACTION? ACTION IS ALWAYS MUCH LOUDER THAN WORDS!— Robert L. I. (@Robert L. I.) 1521813646.0
@GovLarryHogan No family should have to go through this. This should be yet another wake up call for Congress and t… https://t.co/fHS29BwsM0— Max Larrison (@Max Larrison) 1521809131.0
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.
We will march for you, Jaelynn Willey. We will march for all the students of Great Mills who will forever be trauma… https://t.co/VI5Gn9zR1N— Jaclyn Corin (@Jaclyn Corin) 1521768533.0
She will not be another statistic. She will not be another causality. She will not be forgotten. The universe is on… https://t.co/J8tDt45pXd— Ryan Deitsch (@Ryan Deitsch) 1521768384.0
And the pressure on lawmakers for strict gun control continues.
We mourn and also rage against the senseless loss of another young person to gun violence. This cannot continue. Ja… https://t.co/15J40B08lJ— Mayor Catherine Pugh (@Mayor Catherine Pugh) 1521776572.0
we must commit ourselves to bringing about the change in our country that ends the madness of easy access to guns b… https://t.co/gVo42KfU40— Mayor Catherine Pugh (@Mayor Catherine Pugh) 1521776572.0