Jaelynn Willey and Desmond Barnes Were Both Injured at Great Mills High School

Following the Maryland school shooting, both students' families are raising money for their medical expenses.

March 21, 2018

This image may contain Transportation Vehicle Automobile Car and Police Car

The female student who was critically injured in the school shooting that took place at Great Mills High School in Maryland has been identified by friends and family, BuzzFeed News reports. Jaelynn Willey, 16, was transferred to a hospital after she had been stabilized, but her injuries were called "life-threatening" by Sheriff Tim Rollins, according to a local NBC affiliate.

One other student, 14-year-old Desmond Barnes, was injured in the attack, according to a YouCaring page set up for his medical expenses. The shooter, a 17-year-old who also attended Great Mills, died. Police are currently investigating whether a relationship of any sort existed between the shooter and Jaelynn.

BuzzFeed News reports that Jaelynn is a member of the Great Mills swim team. Her cousin told BuzzFeed News that "she's just the sweetest girl. Smart. On the swim team. Loves babysitting her younger siblings."

An additional message by Jaelynn's family was disseminated on Facebook, The Baltimore Sun reports. In that statement, they said they are “devastated to learn that our beautiful Jaelynn was one of the victims in a school shooting."

A YouCaring page has been set up to help Jaelynn's family pay for her medical needs. As of publish time, it has raised more than $40,000, nearly its entire goal. It contains the family's statement, written by uncle Timothy Cormier:

This morning, our family was devastated to learn that our beautiful Jaelynn was one of the victims in a school shooting at her high school, Great Mills. Jaelynn is an amazing young lady, whose peaceful presence and love of her fellow students and family is known throughout her Maryland-based school. The second oldest of 9 children, Jaelynn is not only a role model to her siblings, but also a dedicated student and member of her school’s swim team. She also selflessly helps take care of her brothers and sisters each and every day, whether at home, or at the beach, one of her favorite places to be. It is hard for us not to see her shining, smiling face right now, and to see her light up the room with her presence. We know that many of you are anxious to hear about her condition, and we will update you when we can. For now, we just ask for privacy for the families as we deal with the shock of this situation. For those that are looking for a way to help, please keep Jaelynn and our family in your prayers.

A separate YouCaring page has been established for Desmond, who was reportedly shot in the leg. "He is doing well now but the long term effects of a such a tragedy are unknown," the page explains. "It's unfortunate that in this day and age, our children cannot even feel safe at school. Desmond is an amazing child. He is an exceptionally bright young male with an extremely bright future ahead of him. He is constantly winning awards and receiving recognition in various areas of study, making his parents, siblings, and entire family proud." At the time of publication, Desmond's page was just past halfway to its $20,000 goal.

An update issued on the page from Desmond's mom, Kimberly Bennett Dennis, says that "Desmond is resting and simply grateful."

The Maryland school shooting prompted Maryland Governor Larry Hogan to say "prayers are not enough" as other politicians responded to the shooting with calls to action. Students from Parkland, Florida, offered support for the students at Great Mills on Twitter.

Check this out: