A tragic incident took place at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, where a 14-year-old boy sent a message to his mom before he was killed in a mass shooting. His heartbroken sister has also spoken about the terrible event.
The boy, Mason Schermerhorn, was one of four victims who lost their lives in the shooting. He had texted his mom while hiding in a school restroom, but sadly, he didn’t make it out. Ronald Clark, a youth minister and chaplain, shared this information. He also mentioned how he tried to help search for Mason during the chaos of the shooting.
This story has left many grieving and searching for answers.
On the morning of September 4, when the shooting happened, Ronald Clark had stopped at a store on his way home. He received a call from his wife, who told him about the shooting at Apalachee High School. Clark immediately went to the school and offered his help to the police officers who were working at the command post.
Clark was assigned to assist the teams working on the investigation. After about an hour, he began encountering injured students who were in shock.
He described the situation as “challenging” and mentioned that although he wanted to help everyone, he understood that there was only so much he could do in such a large-scale tragedy.
Clark also highlighted the bravery of the victims who survived. He was impressed by their courage as they shared their experiences with him, which was part of their effort to cope with the trauma they had endured.
During the chaos, Clark tried to assist Mason Schermerhorn’s mom, whom he knew through work, in finding her son. She told Clark that she believed Mason, who was autistic, was safe because he had texted her from the restroom.
Clark remembered the mother saying, “Hey, I can’t find him. I’m just here to pick him up. I know he’s safe. He texted me that he’s in the restroom. Can you please help?”
The youth minister also highlighted what a great kid he was told Schermerhorn was, adding, “He […] loved life, didn’t have any issues with anyone. He was autistic, but that didn’t stop his glow.”
The youth minister also emphasized what a wonderful kid Mason Schermerhorn was. He said, “He […] loved life, didn’t have any issues with anyone. He was autistic, but that didn’t stop his glow.”
On September 5, WSB-TV released messages sent between a 14-year-old boy and his mom on Instagram. Although they didn’t reveal the boy’s identity, the messages provide a glimpse into how frightening and intense the situation was for those involved.
The boy reportedly texted his mom, “School shooting rn. I’m scared, pls, I’m not joking.” When she told him she was leaving work, he heartbreakingly replied with, “I love you.” In response to her question about where he was, he chillingly wrote, “Class. Someone’s dead.”
The 14-year-old shooter, Colt Gray, is expected to be charged with murder as an adult.
Following Mason Schermerhorn’s death, his sister, Alanna Wallace, has spoken about the tragedy in an interview with Fox 5 News’ Brittany Edney.
Wallace shared that her brother was a wonderful person who had a profound impact on many people, echoing the sentiments expressed by Clark.
Wallace, along with her family, shared touching videos of Mason Schermerhorn with Edney. She also talked about the hobbies Mason had recently picked up. He had started learning to play the trumpet because he wanted to follow in his big sister’s footsteps, as she had learned to play the instrument first.
Mason Schermerhorn also loved playing video games on his PS5, exploring virtual fantasy worlds with his VR headset, and visiting amusement parks. Wallace described her late little brother as a positive, energetic person and expressed how she can’t imagine life without him.
When asked what she wants the world to know about Mason Schermerhorn, Wallace said, “That he loved everyone […] No matter what they had, what disabilities, he loved everyone for them.”
Regarding how Wallace is coping with the tragedy, Edney shared that Wallace has been trying to channel her brother’s positive energy. Despite being her little brother, Mason had a protective, big brother vibe and always looked out for her.
Edney also noted that when she spoke to Wallace, the sister was surrounded by about eight friends who were there to support her. They gathered in a circle with some donuts, reminiscing about Mason Schermerhorn’s life and reassuring Wallace that they were there for her. Wallace mentioned that this sense of community is what is helping her get through this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences go out to Schermerhorn’s family and all the families affected by this horrific tragedy. We pray for healing and comfort during this difficult time of grief. Rest in peace, Mason Schermerhorn, and all the other victims who lost their lives.
I Came Home to Find My Kids Outside with Packed Bags, It Was the Hardest Day of My Life
out here with your stuff?”
Jake glanced at his little sister, Emily, who clutched her stuffed rabbit tightly. “You texted us,” he continued, his voice soft. “You said to pack and wait for Dad. He was coming to get us.”
I froze, confusion giving way to panic. “I never sent you a text. Let me see your phone.”
Jake handed me his phone, and as I read the message, my blood ran cold.
“This is your mom. Pack your stuff, take the cash I left, and wait for Dad. He’ll be there soon.”
The words blurred in front of me. I hadn’t sent that message. I’d never tell them to leave. My heart pounded, and a wave of nausea swept over me.
“Mom?” Emily’s voice broke through my panic. Her wide blue eyes searched mine. “Are we going with Dad?”
“No, sweetheart,” I said firmly. “You’re not going anywhere.”
Just as I stood up, trying to figure out what to do, I heard the rumble of a car pulling into the driveway. My blood froze. I turned slowly to see who was behind the wheel.
It was him—Lewis, my ex-husband.
“Kids,” I said, keeping my voice low and steady. “Go inside. Now.”
Jake and Emily hesitated for a moment before grabbing their bags and retreating into the house. I turned to face Lewis, who had already stepped out of his car, wearing that same smug expression I’d grown to despise.
“Well, well,” he sneered. “Leaving the kids alone like this? Great parenting.”
“Are you serious?” I snapped, stepping toward him, my body trembling with anger. “You told them to pack up and wait for you. What are you trying to pull, Lewis?”
He leaned against his car, arms crossed, feigning innocence. “Just looking out for their safety. Maybe if you can’t handle things, they’d be better off with me.”
My anger boiled over. “You lost custody for a reason. Don’t forget that.”
His smirk grew wider. “Maybe that was a mistake.”
Before I could say another word, the front door creaked open. Jake and Emily stood in the doorway, tears streaking their faces, fear written all over them.
“Stop fighting!” Jake’s voice cracked as he pleaded. “Please, Mom. Please, Dad. Stop.”
Seeing their distress, Lewis shrugged, clearly unfazed. Without another word, he got back into his car and sped off, leaving me to pick up the pieces.
As I stood there, watching him disappear down the street, something shifted inside me. I had held it together for the kids, but deep down, I knew this wasn’t over. Lewis wasn’t going to stop. He would keep manipulating them, keep trying to twist the situation in his favor. I had to outsmart him.
I pulled my children into my arms, their tears soaking into my shirt. I made a silent vow to protect them, no matter what it took. I wouldn’t let Lewis turn them against me or make himself the hero in this mess.
I had heard rumors about his new girlfriend, Lisa—a woman who, like everyone else, believed Lewis’s lies about me. He had painted me as the “crazy ex-wife,” the unreasonable one who wouldn’t let him be part of his kids’ lives. But now, I had proof. The fake texts, the custody rulings, years of manipulation—all of it was about to come to light.
Determined, I gathered every piece of evidence I had—messages, legal documents, anything that could expose Lewis for the liar he was. I didn’t want revenge, but I wanted the truth to be known.
I reached out to Lisa, asking if we could meet in private. Surprisingly, she agreed. When we sat down together, I could see the hesitation in her eyes. She was guarded, ready to defend him. But I didn’t approach her with anger. Instead, I calmly laid out the facts, handing her the phone with the fake messages and the legal documents detailing the custody arrangement.
“Look,” I said, my voice steady. “I know what he’s told you about me, but this is the truth.”
Lisa’s eyes widened as she read through the evidence, her confidence wavering. I could see the gears turning in her head, the doubt creeping in.
“I’m not here to ruin your relationship,” I continued. “But I thought you deserved to know who he really is. He’s been manipulating you, just like he manipulated me.”
Lisa glanced up, conflicted. She tried to defend him at first. “He said you were difficult, that you wouldn’t let him see the kids…”
“I’m sure he did,” I said gently. “But the facts speak for themselves.”
She didn’t say much after that, but I could tell she was starting to question everything. It was only a matter of time before she’d realize the truth.
A few weeks later, I heard through a mutual friend that Lisa and Lewis’s relationship was crumbling. She had started confronting him about the lies, and their once-solid bond was unraveling. Small cracks turned into gaping holes, and the web of deception he had spun around her was falling apart.
I didn’t have to lift another finger. The truth had done the work for me.
I didn’t get revenge in the traditional sense, but I got something better—justice. Lewis’s manipulative games had finally caught up with him, and his house of cards was collapsing. It was all I had ever wanted.
And that was enough.
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