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The following was written by Jason Swensen for the Deseret News. To read the full article, click here.
Cover image: John McCall/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP
The family of Alaina Petty, a Mormon teen who was killed in Wednesday’s Florida school shooting rampage, is “heartbroken” by the loss of their loved one.
Comfort, they said, is being found “in our Heavenly Father’s plan.”
Alaina Petty, 14, a freshman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and a Mia Maid from the Coral Springs Ward was killed in the attack that claimed 17 lives.
Her fellow ward member, Madeleine Wilford, 17, a junior at the school, was shot in the arm and back and underwent multiple surgeries at a nearby hospital.
Madeline will likely undergo further surgeries, “but has been stabilized,” said Coral Springs Florida Stake President Stephen Smith. “Doctors are optimistic she will make a strong recovery.”
President Smith estimated 12 Mormon students attend Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Both Alaina and Madeline have siblings at the large public school.
Alaina’s family issued a statement on Thursday:
“We are heartbroken by the loss we feel in the tragedy that unfolded yesterday at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Our hearts go out to the families of all impacted by this tragedy, and our prayers are for their comfort and healing. We wish to thank our family, friends and the community for the love and support demonstrated to our family.
“It is impossible to sum up all that Alaina was and meant to her family and friends. Alaina was a vibrant and determined young woman, loved by all who knew her.”
To read more on this tragedy, click here.
