In what is an all-too-familiar story in the United States, another school mass shooting occurred on February 13, 2023. This time, the tragedy took place at Michigan State University. The Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety has identified three victims who were killed in this senseless action of violence.
Friends and family are remembering junior Alexandria Verner, sophomore Arielle Diamond Anderson, and sophomore Brian Fraser. Here’s what they believe the world should know about their loved ones, who were full of potential and taken from this world far too soon.
Alexandria Verner was a junior from Clawson, Michigan. She was athletic but more importantly incredibly kind. Billy Shellenbarger, the superintendent of Clawson Public Schools, said everyone loved her.
"She was a tremendous student, athlete, leader and exemplified kindness every day of her life," Billy said. "If you knew her, you loved her and we will forever remember the lasting impact she has had on all of us."
Alexandria’s father, Ted Verner, has vowed to work so no one else has to experience the enormous amount of grief he is facing. His daughter’s death will not be in vain.
"It’s going to be my mission in life to make sure that families don’t go through what we went through," he said.
Arielle Diamond Anderson was a sophomore from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, who was studying to become a surgeon. She was "driven by her aspiration to tend to the health and welfare of others. She was passionate about helping her friends and family, assisting children and serving people."
Her family will miss her "infectious smile that was very contagious." They say she was "an angel here on Earth" who loved as much as she was loved.
M. Jon Dean, superintendent of Grosse Pointe Public School System, lost two of his former students in the shooting, Arielle and Brian. He is in disbelief over this tragic situation and struggling to process.
"How can we have our community impacted in this personal way,” he asked in a statement.
Brian Fraser was also a sophomore from Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He was chapter president of his fraternity Phi Delta Theta.
"As the leader of his chapter, Brian was a great friend to his Phi Delt brothers, the Greek community at Michigan State, and those he interacted with on campus," Phi Delta Theta said in a statement.
Sean Fraser, Brian’s father, remembers his son as “a good kid.” He was “loved by everyone.” It is so difficult to process this unthinkable incident. Sean wanted his son to have a good start in adulthood and sent him to college never thinking this could happen.
Superintendent M. Jon Dean cannot believe he lost two former students. "I can’t even process what I just wrote,” he said. He remembers them as “exceptional kids” and stresses they "will be missed.”
In addition to the deaths of Alexandria, Arielle, and Brian, several other students were injured. Five of these remain in critical condition at E.W. Sparrow Hospital. Many Americans are pondering the question, when will this horrible pattern of mass shootings end?
