The first victim of the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School has been identified as a special education math teacher.
David Phenix survived the attack but was rushed to hospital after being shot in the hip and foot, breaking his hip bone in the process.
At least four people are believed to have died and up to 30 injured following the horrific attack at a Georgia high school.
Police have not yet provided any details to the public about the shooter and have warned that it could take “days” to reveal information about the accused’s age, gender or connection to the school.
Phenix’s daughter Katie revealed Wednesday that he “arrived at the hospital alert and awake” and was taken straight into surgery.
David Phenix survived the attack but was rushed to hospital after being shot in the hip and foot, breaking his hip bone in the process.
Police have not yet provided any details to the public about the shooter and have warned that it could take “days” to release information about the accused’s age, gender or connection to the school.
Phenix has been a teacher for 22 years. He had intended to retire in 2023, but Apalachee approached him about taking over as golf coach.
“He just came out of surgery and is stable,” he said.
“We will update information as we receive new information. We are very, very fortunate, but please keep our family and the AHS family in your prayers.”
Phenix has been a teacher for 22 years. He had intended to retire in 2023, but Apalachee approached him about taking over as golf coach.
His wife said, ‘A day after he officially made his decision, the opportunity came up to go to Appalachee High School as a golf coach, the timing was perfect and he said YES.
‘He was “retired” for a total of three days!
“I’m actually glad our retirement travel plans have to wait, because I’ve always loved seeing you connect with kids and make an impact.”
The news comes as CNN reports that four victims were fatally shot Wednesday morning.
A suspect is in custody, but no further details have been made public.
The news comes as CNN reports that four victims were shot dead Wednesday morning.
Horrifying details have emerged from inside classrooms showing the chilling chaos endured by students when gunshots rang out this morning.
Horrifying details have emerged from inside classrooms showing the chilling chaos endured by students when gunshots rang out this morning.
A shocked grandfather revealed his granddaughters were ‘pulled out from among blood and victims’ after the shooting.
“They heard the gunshots and SWAT officers entered the room with weapons looking for the shooters,” James Shappard said.
“No child should have to go through that.”
Sergio Caldera, 17, said he was in his senior chemistry class when he heard gunshots.
He told ABC: ‘My teacher goes and opens the door to see what’s going on.
‘Another teacher runs in and tells him to lock the door because there’s an active shooter.’
Caldera said her class heard chilling screams coming from outside as they “huddled together.”
Another 15-year-old boy told Atlanta News First that his teacher immediately locked the door and his classmates crouched in a lockdown position when the gunfire began Wednesday morning.
He said he was worried about his friends and classmates as gunshots rang out near where he was crouching.
Horrifying details have emerged from inside classrooms showing the chilling chaos endured by students when gunshots rang out this morning.
Concerned parents gathered at the school on Wednesday
Melanie, who is a student at Apalachee High School, revealed that a “code red” announcement, along with a flashing red light, began playing in her classroom.
During the exercises the light never came on, which made him realise that the experience was real and serious, he told local reporters.
His classmates immediately hid in the corner of the room following the instructions of their teacher, who turned off the classroom light.
Melanie said many of her friends didn’t have cell service, but she did, so she texted her own family before letting her other classmates text their parents from her phone.
And Camille Nelms, 14, told WXIA the gunman entered her classroom.
“I was crying. I didn’t want to die that way,” she said.
Heartbreaking messages between an Apalachee High School student and his mother revealed the moment the children learned there was an active shooter
The students were ordered to gather on the football field before being released from their parents’ custody.
The terrified student said she texted her mother, who told her: “I’m coming to get you.”
Her mother revealed that when she arrived at the scene, at the school, there was “chaos” and a “giant” queue of parents waiting to meet their children. She said that when she heard Melanie’s voice and gave her a hug, she felt very grateful to be alive.
Erin Clark received a text message from her son, Ethan, at 10:23 a.m. Wednesday telling her there was a shooting at the school.
She wrote: “There is a school shooting going on right now. I am scared. I am not joking.”
His mother immediately responded and assured him that she was leaving work. In a heartbreaking response, Ethan wrote: “I love you.”
—I love you too, baby. Where are you? —Clark said.
Ethan told her he was in class and added that “someone is dead.”