A 7-year-old girl, Saylor Graham-Poarch, who was shot in the face by Griffin J. John II during a shooting spree at her Oregon elementary school, is no longer in the intensive care unit. Her family is navigating what they describe as “the hardest time of our lives.”
Saylor, who has disabilities and often uses a wheelchair, was critically injured when John, 16, opened fire in a special needs classroom at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend on October 15, an attack that left four people dead.
Fortunately, Graham-Poarch has stabilized and has moved out of the ICU, although her recovery is expected to be long, her family shared with KPTV.
While they express gratitude for Saylor’s progress, they also mourn for the families of the three children and a teacher who lost their lives. In a heartfelt statement, they said, “We are holding them close, and we grieve with them.”
They also thanked everyone for the support shown through prayers, messages, and kind words during this challenging period, noting, “We can’t respond to everyone individually, but please know that every kind word, prayer, and act of support means more to us than we can say.”
“Above all, please keep Saylor in your thoughts and prayers as she heals. We are beyond grateful that she is still here with us,” they added.
Initiatives to assist with Graham-Poarch’s medical expenses and other costs are proving to be quite successful, nearing $1.1 million as of Monday night.
Saylor was already a beloved figure in her community, known for her vibrant personality and pink glasses. Local high school students adopted her as a “Sparrow,” part of a nonprofit effort to support children with medical needs.
“Saylor is the definition of light and joy. And one of those kids that, you know, when she’s in the room, you can’t think of anything else other than what Saylor’s doing; ‘I need to get to know her,’” said Matt Sampson, executive director of Sparrow Clubs USA.
Despite often using a wheelchair, Saylor could walk independently. She is nonverbal and has faced various developmental challenges due to a genetic mutation affecting her physical and cognitive growth, alongside a swallowing disorder.
Sadly, the shooting was a devastating event. Griffin used a shotgun to blast through the door of Silver Rail Elementary and opened fire, specifically targeting his former special education classroom just before 1 p.m. on October 15, according to police reports.
Three students — Rhoam Summer, 5, and two others aged 8 and 11 — were killed, along with 25-year-old teacher Megan Lambert, who was highly regarded as a volleyball coach.
Another teacher, Becky Drury, was hospitalized after her hand was severely injured. She has since undergone surgery on both her left arm and right hand.
In a heroic act, Kaylub Giamanco, a father of two girls who attend the school, rushed in and fatally shot John, ultimately stopping the shooting.
Silver Rail Elementary remains closed for the foreseeable future.
