A 14-year-old boy, Mason Schermerhorn, sent a final text to his mother just before he was killed in a mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. Mason, one of four victims, messaged his mom from a restroom during the chaos. Ronald Clark, a youth minister who helped at the scene, shared how he tried to assist Mason’s mother in locating her son amid the crisis.

Clark arrived at the school after hearing the news and helped police while encountering many injured students. He described the situation as overwhelming but tried to offer comfort to survivors sharing their stories. Mason’s mother initially believed he was safe, as he had texted saying he was in the restroom. However, after Clark showed police Mason’s photo, he learned Mason was among the confirmed dead.

Clark remembered Mason as a joyful, friendly boy who loved life. Despite being autistic, Mason’s vibrant spirit touched everyone around him.

Additional messages from another 14-year-old student revealed the fear during the shooting, with texts to his mother saying, “School shooting rn. I’m scared, pls, I’m not joking,” and later, “Class. Someone’s dead.”

Mason’s sister, Alanna Wallace, spoke out about her heartbreak. She described Mason as loving, kind, and protective, always accepting others regardless of differences. Alanna is coping by focusing on Mason’s positive energy, supported by friends who help her navigate her grief after the tragedy.