Gia Soriano pictured on her Facebook page on October 5.
Gia Soriano was just 14 years old when she was gunned down by teen gunman Jaylen Fryberg in Pilchuck High School on October 24 in Marysville, Washington. Two days after the attack, Soriano succumbed to her wounds and died on October 26.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. She’s the Second Fryberg Victim to Die
(Facebook)
Her death brings the total death toll from Pilchuck High School to three, including the shooter, popular freshman Jaylen Fryberg. The other deceased victim is 14-year-old student Zoe Galasso. All of the victims were shot in the school’s cafeteria on October 24. Just hours before her death, members of the community held a meeting inside Pilchuck’s gym with speakers preaching for support for all of the victim’s families, reports the Seattle Times.
2. Her Parents Said ‘Words Cannot Express How Much We Will Miss Her’
In a statement announcing her death, Soriano’s parents said:
We are devastated by this senseless tragedy. Gia is our beautiful daughter and words cannot express how much we will miss her…We ask that you please respect our privacy and give us the space and time we need to grieve and spend time together as a family in memory of Gia.
3. She Worked at a Zumiez Store
According to her Facebook page, Soriano worked a Zumiez outdoors store. She was a native of Marysville. Since her death, Soriano’s Facebook page has been flooded with tributes.
Back in April 2014, at a Zumiez store in Maryland, teen-gunman Darion Aguilar killed store employees, Brianna Benlolo, 21, and Tyler Johnson, 25.
4. Her Organs Will Be Donated for Surgeries
(Facebook)
According to the heartbreaking statement released by her parents, Soriano’s organs will be donated. Her parents said, “Our daughter was loving, kind and this gift honors her life.”
5. There Are 2 Victims Still in Critical Condition
(Facebook)
Soriano’s classmate, Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, also 14, remains in critical condition at Providence Regional Medical Center. The shooter’s cousins, Andrew Fryberg and Nate Hatch, are in intensive care at Harborview Medical Center, according to the Seattle Times.
