Claire Davis, the 17-year-old student Arapahoe High School in Centennial, Colorado who was shot in the face by Karl Pierson on Dec. 13, died on Saturday after a week of fighting for her life. Pierson’s family has issued a statement, saying they are heartbroken by Davis’ death. Her family is also setting up a foundation in her honor.
Davis had been on life support for eight days. As previously reported, she died on 4:29 p.m. Saturday. After her death, there was an outpouring of messages from Colorado and around the country.
According to the New York Daily News, Pierson’s family issued a statement. “We are heartbroken to hear of Claire's passing. Our hearts ache for her family as they deal with unimaginable grief,” they said. “Our prayers are with Claire's family & the entire Arapahoe community.”
Local 9News reports that Davis’ family set up a memorial fund through the Denver Foundation. Funds will support the high school and “the surrounding community with support for mental health care, anti-bullying programs, and other community needs as determined by the fund's advisors, Michael and Desiree Davis,” according to the foundation’s site.
The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office released a report on the shooting last week, noting that they believe Pierson did intend to shoot in four other sections of the school, but he only got the school library. He shot himself there and the shooting lasted just 80 seconds.
image: DenverFoundation.org