(WWJ) The three students killed in a mass shooting Monday night at Michigan State University have been identified, and all three of them are from Metro Detroit.
They are as follows:
- Brian Fraser, age 20, a sophomore from Grosse Pointe, Michigan
- Alexandria Verner, age 20, a junior from Clawson, Michigan
- Arielle Anderson, age 19, junior, from Gross Pointe, Michigan
The Clawson Public Schools district sent a letter to families in the Oakland County community regarding the tragedy.
The statement by CPS reads: "Alex was and is incredibly loved by everyone. She was a tremendous student, athlete, leader and exemplified kindness every day of her life! Her parents, Ted and Nancy, and sister Charlotte and brother TJ are equally grieving but are certainly already feeling the uplifting support of this tremendous community. She started at Baker Preschool, moved on to Schalm Elementary School and finished at Clawson Middle and High School. If you knew her, you loved her and we will forever remember the lasting impact she has had on all of us."
In releasing the names Tuesday afternoon, the Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety (MSU DPPS) said: "We cannot begin to fathom the immeasurable amount of pain that our campus community is feeling. We want to ensure our community that our department as well as our law enforcement partners will conduct a comprehensive and thorough investigation regarding this tragic incident."
Clawson Superintendent, Billy Shellenbarger says the district is preparing to honor Alexandria — whom he called "Alex" — but they're unsure of the details just yet.
Clawson is a small, close-knit community, and Shellenbarger told WWJ's Alexis Ware that he is a close friend of the Verner family.
"He brother and sister were in there on the couch when I popped in, gave them hugs, and told them I loved them," Shellenbarger said. "You know, because they are as strong and as high integrity as you can find. They were holding up well, considering the circumstances."
He spoke about how Alex will be remembered.
"It's important that anybody who is listening or reads knows that Alex Verner, you know, in a world that needs positive givers, selfless individuals...we lost one last night, one of the best," Shellenbarger said. "But the beauty of Al, is in her 20 years of life she made an impact that will last."
Grosse Pointe Community Schools Superintendent Jon Dean said help will be made available to all those students and staff who are struggling with this incredible loss.
"We have a great partnership with our local hospital and other mental health providers," Dean said, at a news conference. "They were calling us and saying, 'What can we do?' And so we bring in those sorts of connections, so that every kid that needs to talk so somebody has somebody to talk to."
Five wounded victims, all MSU students, remained in the hospital in critical condition on Tuesday.
A vigil is being planned for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the gathering place known as the Rock on the East Lansing campus.
Meanwhile, at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, there are plans for a vigil on the Diag at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
"Our hearts are broken with the Michigan State University family following last night’s horrific shooting. We wish for a speedy recovery of the wounded, and we pray for comfort and grace for the loved ones of those so suddenly lost," said U-M President President Santa J. Ono, in a statement.
"Provost Laurie McCauley and I have reached out to our counterparts at MSU, offering any assistance that we might provide them at this time...Let us do all we can to support one another, and our MSU family, in this hour of tragedy and need."
Stay with WWJ for the latest on this developing story.
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