EDITOR’S NOTE — For the latest developments in this story, and more photos, go to www.heraldnet.com, the website of The Herald newspaper in Everett/Snohomish County, a sister publication to the Peninsula Daily News.
Marysville is about 35 miles north of Seattle.
MARYSVILLE — Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, 14, died Friday, a week after she was shot in the head inside her high school cafeteria.
Her death occurred at 4:44 p.m. as a result of the injuries she received last week, said Dr. Anita Tsen, a critical care physician at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett. Tsen had been caring for the girl.
“The entire Providence family is deeply saddened by this news,” she said, urging reporters and others to give the girl’s family privacy to grieve.
Her family released this statement:
“Our hearts are broken at the passing of our beautiful daughter. Shay means everything to us. In Shay’s short life she has been a radiant light bringing us incredible joy and happiness. She has been a loving daughter, a caring sister, a devoted friend and a wonderful part of our community. We can’t imagine life without her.
“We have been overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness and support of our family, friends and community. We are deeply grateful for all the acts of kindness that have come our way. We especially want to thank the medics and Providence staff who have cared for Shay.”
Her death brings the toll of the Oct. 24 violence at Marysville Pilchuck High School to four young people, including the shooter.
Two other victims remain hospitalized in Seattle, one of whom is in critical condition.
All of the families have asked for privacy.
“Our hearts are heavy as we hear of the passing of Shaylee Chuckulnaskit,” the Tulalip Tribes said in a statement issued Friday night that also offered condolences in the deaths of Zoe Galasso and Gia Sariano.
“Shaylee and her family are part of our extended Tulalip community and we offer up our prayers. The families will continue to be in our thoughts as they grieve. With the loss of these three young lives there are no words that can truly express our compassion and condolences and the loss we feel.”
Earlier Friday, Archbishop Peter Sartain visited Marysville and Tulalip Catholic churches to comfort communities grieving after the shooting.
The spiritual leader of the Archdiocese of Seattle prayed for lives lost. “The whole Christian community has been with you over the past week and my presence here is an expression of that,” Sartain told hundreds of worshipers at St. Mary Catholic Church.
The memorial Mass at the Marysville church began at 11 a.m., almost exactly a week after gunfire broke out in the school’s main cafeteria at 10:39 a.m. Oct. 24. Sartain led a smaller prayer service Friday afternoon at St. Anne Mission on the Tulalip Indian Reservation. He delivered a message of forgiveness and mercy as people struggle through sorrow.
“There are indeed some questions that don’t have answers,” he said. “But they are questions, nevertheless that we must ask.”
The spiritual outreach came as teachers and students prepare to resume classes Monday at Marysville Pilchuck. Gov. Jay Inslee has asked everyone in Washington to wear red and white on Monday, to show support.
Meanwhile, the Marysville School District has set aside private time Sunday to meet with students who witnessed the fatal shooting in the cafeteria last week, and for high-school freshmen — classmates of the students involved.
Families are welcome, too.
The events Sunday are meant to provide a softer return for 1,200 Marysville Pilchuck students who will resume classes the next day.
Monday’s school day is set to begin with a 10:30 a.m. assembly. Students will walk to the stadium at noon for a “fill-the-bleachers” event involving alumni. Lunches will be held in the gym and in a smaller cafeteria on campus. The main cafeteria, where the shooting occurred, remains closed indefinitely.
District Superintendent Becky Berg released a new statement Friday.
“Our world changed last Friday when we experienced a senseless and heartbreaking tragedy, one that has rippled beyond the Marysville School District and felt throughout our community, state and nation,” she wrote. “Thank you to the countless people who have reached out with prayers, words of encouragement and to let us know you are with us. The support from our community has been overwhelming. Thank you especially to our friends and partners here in the Marysville community, including the Tulalip Tribes, Marysville Police Department and the city of Marysville.”
Young lives were taken too soon, and everyone is grieving together, Berg wrote. That support is “forever appreciated.”
On Thursday, two Marysville Pilchuck teachers placed the school’s flag at the lookout atop 5,324-foot Mount Pilchuck, the silhouette of which provides the backdrop for the campus and the region.
Fears over school safety haven’t been limited to Maryville Pilchuck.
Police arrested two 16-year-old boys Thursday night in connection with threats against Arlington High School students.
An investigation began Thursday after school administrators learned of rumors spreading through campus about someone from outside the school threatening students, Arlington police said.
Detectives believe the initial threats came from a Lynnwood-area student by text, allegedly threatening to kill a specific Arlington student with a gun, Arlington city spokeswoman Kristin Banfield said.
The Arlington student returned the messages with pictures that included a firearm, but no threat to kill, Banfield said.
Arlington police took one of the boys into custody shortly before 8 p.m., she said. He is facing harassment charges. Lynnwood police arrested a second teen, who is facing felony-harassment charges. Both were booked into the Denney Juvenile Justice Center in Everett.
Arlington police increased their presence at schools Friday to provide extra security.
In Marysville and Tulalip, tributes to the victims of the mass shooting have proliferated over the past week. Ribbons, balloons and messages of support have appeared on trees, light poles and fences.
Also killed in the shooting were 14-year-olds Zoe Raine Galasso and Gia Soriano. Both were shot in the head.
Andrew Fryberg, 15, remained in critical condition in intensive care Friday at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, hospital spokeswoman Susan Gregg said. He was shot in the head.
Nate Hatch, 14, underwent a successful surgery at Harborview, to help rebuild his jaw, and was listed in satisfactory condition Friday.
The shooter, Jaylen Fryberg, 15, killed himself at the scene.
At St. Mary, the Rev. Dwight Lewis said his congregation includes many Maryville Pilchuck students. He’s been telling them this is a time for forgiveness and mercy, not for judgment. The priest also has taken care to counsel parents.
“I’m encouraging parents to talk to their children,” Lewis said. “Tell them you love them. Let them know you’re there for them.”
How you can help
Heritage Bank and the Marysville Rotary Club have set up a bank account to support the victims’ families. Donations can be brought to the bank at 1031 State Ave., Marysville. More info: 360-657-3100 Donations may also be sent in care of the Marysville Rotary Education Foundation at P.O. Box 1875, Marysville, WA., 98270.
The Tulalip Tribes also are collecting donations for victims and their families. Donations can be mailed to the Tulalip Foundation, Attn: MPHS Relief Fund, 8825 34th Ave. NE L-242, Tulalip, WA 98271. Donations can also be made online at www.tulalipfoundation.org/Giving#donation.
Families and friends of victims have set up individual Internet accounts to accept donations for expenses. Marysville police ask donors to carefully research such accounts to make sure they are legitimate before donating.
Specific funds for victims:
Shaylee Chuckulnaskit: www.gofundme.com/shayleeadellechuck
Andrew Fryberg: www.gofundme.com/gakcno
Zoe Raine Galasso: www.gofundme.com/ga9oao
Nate Hatch: www.gofundme.com/gbkdg4
Gia Soriano: www.gofundme.com/giasoriano.
Please note that gofundme.com and other online fundraising accounts generally take a cut from the donations. Gofundme’s website says it takes nearly 8 percent of the money donated.
Harborview Medical Center in Seattle is accepting messages for victims Nate Hatch and Andrew Fryberg online at ow.ly/DtLml.
Victim Support Services has resources for those who need help, including crisis counselors: 425-252-6081 and 24/7 Hotline: 800-346-7555.
