Updated: Florida High School Shooting: Victim's Identified

The horrors of the senseless massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, have now become an indelible mark on the lives of this community and the world, as stories of survival, heroism and heartbreak are shared.

The death toll remains at 17 with the news that Aaron Feis, an Assistant Football coach and Security guard died this morning from his injuries and student Gina Montalto died late Wednesday night. Both suffered injuries so grave their conditions were not expected to improve.

"It is with great sadness that our Football Family has learned about the death of Aaron Feis. He was our Assistant Football Coach and security guard. He selflessly shielded students from the shooter when he was shot. He died a hero and he will forever be in our hearts and memories" his colleagues said via twitter @MSDEagles

Reportedly Freshman Social Studies teacher Scott Beigel, 35 and Athletic Director and wrestling coach Chris Hixon, 49, an Iraq War Veteran were also killed as they selflessly protected students who publicly state the courage of these dedicated educators saved them.


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Kelsey Friend, a freshman, recounted her ordeal on CNN, stating, "if it weren't for the heroic action of Mr. Beigel" she believed she and the other ten students who took shelter in his classroom would also be dead.

The family of Jamie Guttenberg, 17, also confirmed her death via Facebook stating, "My heart is broken. Yesterday, Jennifer Bloom Guttenberg and I lost our baby girl to a violent shooting at her school. We lost our daughter and my son Jesse Guttenberg lost his sister. I am broken as I write this trying to figure out how my family gets through this. We appreciate all of the calls and messages and we apologize for not reacting to everyone individually. Jen and I will be figuring things out today and so we ask that you respect out privacy. We will be getting messages out later regarding visitation. Hugs to all and hold your children tight."

Gina Montalto, a student, who served on the school's Winter Guard team, died late Wednesday night, friends and family confirmed.

Martin Duque's family has confirmed his death in a tribute posted by his brother on Instagram stating," Words cannot describe my pain," he wrote. "I love brother Martin you'll be missed buddy."

The unfortunate list of students and faculty massacred in the Stoneman Douglas Shooting is still forming as frantic searches are proving futile and hope in finding a loved one disoriented, injured, in shock or lost diminishes.

Families have confirmed Alyssa Al Hadeff, 15,  Joaquin Oliver, Meadow Pollack, an 18 year-old senior, Luke Hoyer, Nick Dwoert, Cara Loughran, Alaina Petty, Helena Ramsey, Peter Wang and Carmen Schentrup are among the students who were killed.

Maddy Wilford, a student was shot multiple times. Her family reported she survived and was in surgery.

 "Our District is dealing with an unimaginable tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.  There are no words to express the sorrow that we are all feeling. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as the entire Marjory Stoneman Douglas community.

 

As our District continues to work with law enforcement – we are focusing on providing our students, families and employees with the support and resources needed to cope with this devastating situation. 

 

We have grief counselors and crisis teams ready to assist, and we will be providing details to all of our families and staff as we move forward.  Dealing with this tragedy is going to take time – and we will be here for every student, every family and every staff member. 

 

Our hearts are broken. Please keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers," Robert W. Runcie, Superintendent of Schools said.

David Hogg, a senior, and activist, also on CNN credited the actions of an unidentified  female Janitor, who warned students evacuating the building during a fake fire drill, which was used to increase the casualty, to run the other way.


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Culinary teacher Ashley Kurth, who herded up to sixty students and two other teachers in her industrial kitchen labs pulling them out of the shooter's line of sight, explained "You could hear every shot that went off."

This is a developing story

Sources: Various

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