Family members described him as intelligent, warm, and deeply curious, with dreams of building a career in technology. However, after graduating in 2018—the same year the shooting occurred—his loved ones noticed a gradual but significant change. He became more withdrawn and faced increasing mental health difficulties that made pursuing education and steady employment difficult. Over time, he lived with a serious psychiatric condition that required frequent treatment and hospitalization. Despite setbacks, he worked hard to regain stability, earning professional certifications and holding a job that gave him a sense of purpose and independence. His family emphasized that navigating consistent mental health care was challenging, shaped by systemic barriers and limited access to long-term support.
The tragedy that altered his life unfolded on February 14, 2018, when a mass shooting took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Seventeen people were killed and many others injured in an attack that shocked the nation. The perpetrator, Nikolas Cruz, was later sentenced to life in prison without parole. In response, students and families launched advocacy efforts that led to changes in Florida’s public safety laws, including adjustments to firearm purchasing regulations and school safety policies. While those measures addressed prevention, survivors continued to face personal struggles long after the event.Continue reading…
