Oregon School Shooting: Teacher Played Dead After Being Shot 2026

In the aftermath of the tragic Oregon school shooting at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, a teacher who survived the attack has shared her harrowing account. Becky Drury, who was seriously wounded, revealed how she pretended to be dead after being shot at close range by a 16-year-old gunman. Her statement, released on Wednesday, provides a chilling firsthand perspective on the violence that claimed the lives of a teacher and three children.

The Attack and Its Victims

Last week, Griffin J John II, a former student at the school, entered Silver Rail Elementary armed with a shotgun and headed toward a special education classroom. He shot six people, killing Megan Lambert, a 25-year-old teacher, and three children, including five-year-old Rhoam Summer. Drury and seven-year-old Saylor Graham were also shot but survived. The rampage ended when another teacher threw her phone at John and tackled him, allowing a parent to fatally shoot the teen gunman.

Becky Drury's Account: 'I Pretended to Be Dead'

Drury, who remains hospitalized, described the moments leading up to her shooting. She ran to see what was happening outside, then immediately ran back into her classroom. As she turned to shut the door, the shooter was already there. "Before I could do anything more, he shot me at close range and I fell to the ground," she said. Her left hand was almost completely severed, and her other arm was also badly injured.

Unable to get up or defend herself, Drury did the only thing she could: she pretended to be dead in the hope that the gunman would not shoot her again. Her quick thinking likely saved her life, but the physical and emotional scars will remain.

Heroic Actions Amid Chaos

The tragedy could have been far worse if not for the bravery of other teachers and a parent. One teacher threw her phone at the gunman and tackled him, while a parent ultimately stopped the threat by fatally shooting the teen. Their actions prevented further bloodshed and allowed students and staff to escape.

Drury's statement also expressed gratitude for the support she has received and mourned the loss of her colleagues and students. "I know there are no words that can ease the pain," she said. "But I want to thank everyone who has reached out and helped."

Community Mourns and Demands Change

The Bend community is reeling from the shooting, with vigils and memorials held for the victims. Parents and residents are calling for stricter gun laws and improved school safety measures. The shooting has reignited debates about gun control and mental health support for young people.

As the investigation continues, authorities are piecing together the motive behind the attack. The gunman's access to a firearm and his history as a former student are central to the inquiry. The community is demanding answers and action to prevent future tragedies.

What We Know About the Victims

Megan Lambert, a 25-year-old teacher, was described as dedicated and beloved by her students. Five-year-old Rhoam Summer was remembered as a bright and energetic child. The other victims, including Drury and Graham, are recovering from their injuries. The loss of young lives has shaken the close-knit community to its core.

Key Takeaways from the Oregon School Shooting

• Becky Drury survived by pretending to be dead after being shot at close range.
• Four people were killed: teacher Megan Lambert and three children, including five-year-old Rhoam Summer.
• The gunman, 16-year-old Griffin J John II, was stopped by a teacher and a parent.
• The community is calling for stricter gun laws and better school safety measures.
• Drury remains hospitalized but has released a statement expressing gratitude and grief.

Comparing School Safety Measures

FAQ

The Oregon school shooting has left a community in mourning and a nation grappling with familiar questions. As details continue to emerge, the focus remains on supporting the victims' families and finding ways to prevent such violence. For a deeper look at the victims, see Oregon School Shooting Victims: Three Boys and Teacher Killed. The town of Bend is also coming together to support one another, as reported in Oregon Town Mourns After School Shooting Tragedy.

Investigators are still working to understand the shooter's motives and how he obtained the weapon. Updates on the case can be found in Oregon School Shooting: Police Seek Clues in Bend Tragedy. The incident has also highlighted the vulnerability of elementary schools, with Oregon Elementary School Shooting: Children Injured in Bend providing a timeline of events.

For a comprehensive overview of the attack, including key facts and figures, refer to Oregon School Shooting: Key Facts on Bend Elementary Attack. The heroism of a parent who stopped the shooter has been widely praised; learn more about Kaylub Giamanco: Hero Dad Who Stopped Oregon School Shooter. In the wake of the tragedy, the community is demanding action, as covered in Oregon School Shooting Tragedy Sparks Urgent Community Safety Demands.

Amid the sorrow, there are also stories of generosity, such as Nike Cofounder Phil Knight Gives $1bn to University of Oregon, showing that even in dark times, people come together to support education.