The two victims killed in Monday's Madison school shooting have been identified as Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14, of Madison, and Erin M. West, 42, of DeForest.
Both died at the scene of the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School where Vergara was a freshman and West was a substitute teacher coordinator, according to the school's staff directory.
“Our hearts are heavy with these losses," the school said in a statement to NBC News on Wednesday.
"Words feel inadequate. A dear friend lost her life on Monday. Erin was a gift to us and a true blessing," West's friend Jenny Matthews posted on Facebook. "Remembering years together — numerous Bible studies, raising babies, volunteering at church and school, campfires, dinners, birthday parties, picking out paint colors, sharing recipes, praying for others."
West graduated in 2005 with a degree in early education from Kennesaw State University in Georgia.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Erin West, a KSU alumna whose life was taken far too soon in an act of senseless violence. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who are mourning this unimaginable tragedy,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Erin West, a KSU alumna whose life was taken far too soon in an act of senseless violence. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who are mourning this unimaginable tragedy,” a spokesperson said.
The school said West worked as a substitute teacher for three years before taking a full-time staff role as an in-house substitute teacher and coordinator. Abundant Life described the school community as a better place because of her work.
“She brought her love of Jesus and love of people to our staff and school family all wrapped in a hug and topped with a smile,” the school’s statement said.
The daughter of Vicente and Jennifer Vergara, Vergara had been a student at the school since kindergarten. She is described in her obituary as an avid reader who loved art, singing and playing keyboard in the family worship band. She "shared a special bond with her beloved pets," a cat named Ginger and her dog Coco.
“Often seen with a book in hand, she had a gift for art and music. Yet, it was Rubi’s love for Jesus that shined brightest and she shared His love with others by volunteering faithfully. She will be missed deeply by her teachers and fellow students,” the statement added.
The Dane County Medical Examiner's Office on Wednesday evening released the names of Vergara and West following forensic autopsies. Preliminary findings indicate both died due to firearm-related trauma, according to the medical examiner's office.
The shooting that took the lives of West and Vergara occurred around 11 a.m. Monday when 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who went by Samantha, opened fire in a study hall inside the school.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said in an interview with the Journal Sentinel Wednesday evening that police currently have no information indicating Rupnow was targeting a specific person. He asked anyone with information that would indicate otherwise to contact police.
"The shooter made a decision to walk into that study hall with mixed high school students and open fire,” Barnes said. “Everyone in that room had an equal chance of dying that day.”
He did not know whether Rupnow was assigned to be in that study hall.
Six other students were injured before Rupnow turned the gun on herself. The medical examiner's report stated Rupnow died at a Madison hospital.
Of the six who were injured, two students remained in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. A teacher and three other students were initially hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Two had been released from the hospital as of Monday evening.
Barnes said the hospital had stopped updating police about the conditions of the people who remain there, citing privacy laws.
Authorities have not publicly identified the other victims' names. Barnes said to his knowledge those victims are still alive.
A funeral service for Vergara will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, at City Church, 4909 E. Buckeye Road in Madison. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park.
A memorial service for West will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, at Doxa Church, 2700 Novation Parkway in Madison. Both services will be livestreamed.
This story was updated to include new information.
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