Saylor Graham, who uses a wheelchair and has a rare genetic condition, is in a serious but stable condition. Three children and a teacher were killed in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend.
A seven-year-old girl is recovering from surgery after being shot in the face during Thursday’s attack at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon. A family friend told NBC News that Saylor Graham, who uses a wheelchair because of a disability, survived the shooting on 15 October. Three children and a teacher were killed. Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said she received lifesaving treatment at the scene and was moved to Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, where she remains in serious but stable condition.
Saylor’s recovery
Saylor is the youngest known survivor. She also has a rare genetic condition called CASK, which brings further medical needs on top of her injuries. No discharge date has been announced, and her recovery is expected to involve continuing care. Earlier reports described her as critical, but the most recent confirmed police update says she is stable.
She is well known locally through Sparrow Clubs, a programme in which schools adopt children with medical needs to inspire fundraising and community service. Bend High School adopted her as a “Sparrow”.
A GoFundMe page set up by a family friend had raised more than $380,000 by the time of the original report. It describes her as a “feisty, loving child” with a “fierce determination to thrive”. It says: “On October 15, 2026, Saylor survived a tragedy no child should ever have to endure. This unimaginable trauma has brought medical expenses and uncertainty to her family during an already difficult time.”
Both her parents are self-employed and cannot work while they stay at her bedside. The money will go towards “time away from work, hospital bills, lodging, and transportation”, the page says. I could not verify a more recent total.
Others injured and those who intervened
A 54-year-old special education teacher, Becky Drury, was also seriously hurt and is being treated at St Charles Medical Center in Bend. Her injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening, and a family spokesperson said she is expected to survive. Her husband, Will Drury, has thanked the community for its support.
Police said at a briefing on Friday that another teacher in the classroom tried to stop the attacker. She threw her phone at him, then confronted him physically and tried to take his weapon. She survived without physical injury. A parent came into the classroom during the struggle.
That parent, Kaylub Giamanco, 36, whose two daughters attend the school, saw the attacker approaching and went in after him. He used a legally owned handgun to shoot the attacker while the teacher was struggling with him, investigators said. Police have praised both Mr Giamanco and the teacher, and believe their actions may have prevented further casualties. Mr Giamanco’s family says he is deeply affected and would like privacy.
The investigation
Police have identified the attacker as a 16-year-old former pupil of Silver Rail Elementary who was no longer enrolled in the Bend-La Pine school district. He went into a classroom used by children receiving special education. Investigators say he fired about 15 rounds from a 12-gauge shotgun, and they found another 44 rounds. They have not established a motive or why he chose that classroom.
Investigators have searched his home under a warrant. About 150 law enforcement officers and emergency personnel have helped with the response and inquiry. They have carried out a digital scan of the school, examined the classroom again, interviewed witnesses and looked into his background and how he obtained the firearm and ammunition. Authorities expect to keep control of the school as a crime scene until at least Tuesday 20 October.
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steve Cook said the district will review what more may be needed to protect students and staff. The school had internally locking doors and held lockdown drills twice a year. Investigators found the attacker got in by shooting through the glass in locked exterior doors. The school’s resource officer was reportedly working at a nearby campus at the time. No formal finding of security failures has been announced.
Community support
Local station KTVZ reports that GoFundMe has set up a collection of nine verified fundraisers. They cover Saylor, Ms Drury, the families of those killed and the parent who stopped the attacker. Some reached or passed their targets within two days. Two Bend businesses have announced events on Wednesday 21 October. Silver Moon Brewing will donate all sales and contributions received at a community event. Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge will hold a fundraising evening from 4pm to 9pm, with matching pledges turning each dollar spent into three donated.
The Oregon Community Foundation is working with Bend organisations to identify families’ immediate needs and plans to use its Rapid Response Fund, alongside other funders.
