Social Issues

Family, friends remember 14-year-old who was killed in the Abundant Life shooting

Funeral services were held for Rubi Patricia Vergara, the 14-year old student shot and killed at Abundant Life Christian School, with family and friends gathering to remember her as a talented teenager with deep faith who shared her gifts of music and art with many.

Associated Press

December 22, 2024 • South Central Region

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A spontaneous memorial that includes a poinsettia plant, multiple flower bouquets, multiple devotional candles and flameless candles, and an illuminated lanterns with the words Amazing Grace on one of its panels are placed on a concrete sidewalk next to a lawn.

A spontaneous memorial in place on Dec. 17, 2024, outside Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, memorializes victims of a shooting inside the school on Dec. 16. Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14, who was killed in the shooting, was laid to rest during a graveside memorial service at Roselawn Memorial Park on Dec. 21 in Monona. (Credit: PBS Wisconsin)


AP News

By Isabella Volmer, AP

Rubi Patricia Vergara was a talented young teenager who often handcrafted gifts for others and shared her musical talents with many, family friends recounted at funeral services held on the morning of Dec. 21.

Vergara, 14, was a student at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, where she was shot and killed by a fellow student on Dec. 16. Teacher Erin West, 42, was also killed in the attack.

“She was a quiet, gentle spirit who cared deeply for others,” City Church lead pastor Tom Flaherty said. “But Rubi also had a faith beyond her years.”

Vergara’s services were held at City Church, which is adjacent to the school. West’s funeral is set for Dec. 23 at Doxa Church in Madison, according to her obituary.

Two other injured students remained hospitalized on Dec. 21 in critical condition but were stable, UW Hospital said.

A family friend, Dawn Moris, spoke about Vergara’s compassion and empathy. Vergara made personalized birthday cards for loved ones with digital artwork, origami and had started crocheting. Moris showed those in the congregation a small crocheted smiley face potato crafted by Vergara.

“She applied a caring and creative approach to everything she did,” Moris said.

Vergara played keyboard in a family worship band and could hear a song and pick it up on the piano, Moris said. As a singer, she had a special talent of harmonizing and “sang like an angel,” Moris said.

Vergara’s aunt played her niece’s favorite song, “Shoulders” by For King & Country on the guitar during the service. Her uncle, Andy Remus, thanked the people of Madison for supporting his family over the week.

Police say the shooter, 15-year-old student Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow, shot herself at the school and died at a Madison hospital. Police have said she was in contact with a man in California who authorities say was planning to attack a government building. Rupnow’s motivation for the attack remains a key part of their investigation.


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