CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Claire Davis, the 17-year-old student wounded in the shooting at Arapahoe High School last week, has died of her injuries, Littleton Adventist Hospital announced Saturday.
“Although we have lost our precious daughter, we will always be grateful for the indelible journey she took us on over the last 17 years — we were truly blessed to be Claire’s parents,” the Davis family said in a statement.
“The grace, laughter …and light she brought to this world will not be extinguished by her death; to the contrary, it will only get stronger.”
The hospital also released a statement, noting that despite the best efforts of everyone involved, “her injuries were too severe and the most advanced medical treatments could not prevent this tragic loss of life.”
“It is with heavy hearts that we share that at 4:29 p.m. this afternoon, Claire Davis passed away, with her family at her side,” the hospital said in a Facebook post. “Claire’s death is immensely heartbreaking for our entire community, …our staff and our families.”
In the days since the attack, Davis had been the subject of a massive outpouring of support. Groups ranging from local equestrian team members to the international pop band One Direction had expressed their affection and worked to ease the burden on her family.
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper visited the Davis family at Littleton Adventist Hospital at least twice, a spokesman said. He spent a short time with the victim’s parents, but was not able to see Claire.
“Claire Davis personified the love and kindness she learned from her family,” Hickenlooper tweeted Saturday. “All of Colorado feels that. They are in our hearts.”
There were numerous vigils and gatherings held throughout the past eight days. Earlier this week, students by the hundreds stayed after school at Cherry Creek High School Wednesday to honor and support their friends at Arapahoe.
Students in nearby Cherry Creek said the pain of the shooting resonated with them. Cherry Creek students released dozens of balloons colored black and gold — Arapahoe’s school colors.
Police believe Davis was shot in the head on Dec. 13 by a fellow student, 18-year-old Karl Pierson. He attacked the school in retaliation for a punishment he received in September, investigators said.
Davis arrived at the hospital unconscious and reportedly never emerged from a coma. She was the only person hurt before the suspect killed himself.
“We are heartbroken to hear of Claire’s passing,” the shooter’s parents, Barbara and Mark Pierson, said in a statement. “Our hearts ache for her family as they deal with unimaginable grief. Our prayers are with Claire’s family and the entire Arapahoe community.”