A teacher who survived the school shooting at a Georgia high school earlier this month has shared an update of gratitude in the aftermath of the tragedy.
David Phenix was one of seven people who sustained gunshot wounds during the September 4 Apalachee High School massacre that killed two teachers and two students. Phenix was hit by two bullets but, as he said in a recent statement shared to Facebook, he is “incredibly blessed” by where he stands.
The injured teacher—who was in his classroom at the time of the shooting—said that one bullet struck his side and another his foot. Both “managed to miss” all “vital” organs, ligaments, tendons, and bones. Instead, he is left with far less serious injuries than he might have suffered, including stitches and physical therapy. Phenix noted that recovery will “be just as challenging” for his mental health.
The teacher then turned to thanking those who helped on the day of the shooting and during its aftermath. Phenix emphasized gratitude for his fellow teacher who, in addition to applying pressure to his injuries for a “while,” simultaneously keeping 23 “terrified” high schoolers “calm.”
He also said he was grateful for two 14-year-old students who assisted him while the second teacher “called for help.” These two were described as “exceptional young people.” Phenix also thanked police and medical personnel who helped the school in the tragedy, along with his wife and daughters. But while he is “blessed” to be recovering, Phenix did not forget the dead victims and their families remain his primary focus.
He urged the public to “continue to pray” for those who lost loved ones in the tragedy, emphasizing the “pangs of sorrow and grief” that he himself feels for them. The horrific shooting took place on September 4, when 14-year-old Colt Gray opened fire on school grounds. So far, he is facing four counts of felony murder, with more charges to come.
The boy’s father, Colin, has also been charged with involuntary manslaughter, second-degree murder, and cruelty to children. He is believed to have knowingly allowed his son—who was known to be in poor mental health and a threat to himself and others—to possess the firearm he used in the shooting.
