Bend Teacher Says She Played Dead After School Shooting

A teacher seriously wounded in the Oct. 15 shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, says she was shot before she could protect students, then pretended to be dead to avoid another gunshot. Becky Drury issued a statement on Wednesday, Oct. 21, to correct accounts of her actions during the attack on a special education classroom.

Drury said she noticed activity outside the classroom and went to investigate. When she saw the gunman, she immediately turned back toward the room, but the attacker had already reached the doorway before she could close it.

Drury suffered severe injuries to her left hand and right arm. Her husband, Will Drury, said she required surgery on her left arm and right hand.

In her statement, Drury explained that her injuries left her unable to move or intervene as the shooting unfolded.

"Lying on the floor, I saw that my left hand was almost completely severed from the gunshot, and my other arm was also severely injured. I could not get up, defend myself, or protect anyone else. So, I did the only thing I could do, which was to pretend to be dead in the hope he would not shoot me again." Drury said.

Her account contradicts earlier reports that she shielded a 7-year-old student during the attack. Bend police had previously said Drury protected the child, identified as Saylor Graham, who was also seriously injured.

Drury said she wanted to establish an accurate account of the events and asked the public and media to respect the family's recovery process.

"I’d like to share my memories of what happened at Silver Rail Elementary because I want to make sure the events of that day and my actions in particular are reported accurately." Drury said.

She also expressed sympathy for the victims, their families, school staff and the wider Bend community. Drury thanked those who had offered support and requested privacy as she continued recovering from her injuries.

"Finally, to the media, please utilize trusted voices in our community. Accurate, respectful reporting is a truly important service that will help heal the wounds inflicted by that awful day." Drury said.

The shooting killed teacher Megan Lambert, 25, and three children, ages 5, 8 and 11, according to reports from local and national news outlets. The youngest victim was identified as Rhoam Summer, 5. Saylor Graham, 7, survived but sustained serious injuries and received emergency treatment at the school before being transported to Oregon Health & Science University, police said.

Authorities identified the suspected gunman as Griffin J. John II, a 16-year-old former student. According to Newsday, he entered the school with a shotgun and attacked the special education classroom. A community member who entered the building shot and killed the suspect.

Investigators have not established a motive for the attack. The Bend Police Department said the investigation included search warrants involving the suspect's home, electronic devices and social media accounts.

Police also confirmed that the pump-action shotgun used in the shooting had been purchased legally. Investigators were still examining how the teenager obtained the weapon, Newsday reported.

Most schools in the Bend-La Pine district reopened on Wednesday, Oct. 21, with officers present to welcome students back, according to the police department. Silver Rail Elementary remained closed until further notice, KATU reported.