An educational assistant injured in Thursday’s shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend has been identified as Rebecca Drury, whose husband calls her Becky. In a statement to NBC News on Friday, he said the family is concentrating on her recovery and supporting one another. He also expressed gratitude for the concern shown to his family and others affected by the attack.

Drury’s work at Silver Rail had earned recognition well before Thursday’s tragedy. She was among 77 Bend-La Pine Schools employees honored through the district’s 2023 Excellence in Education Awards, according to KTVZ’s reporting. The awards recognized staff members for their contributions to students, their schools and the community. The Silver Rail PTO’s staff directory also lists Becky Drury as an educational assistant.

His message offered a personal update while asking the public to give the family privacy. It did not provide details about Becky’s injuries or a medical prognosis, so his reference to recovery should not be read as confirmation that her condition has improved. NBC noted that police had previously reported an injured teacher and a 7-year-old child in critical condition.

For readers catching up, the October 15 attack killed three children, ages 5, 8 and 11, and a teacher. The teenage gunman also died, bringing the total number of deaths to five, including the suspect, according to The Associated Press. Our earlier reporting on the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting follows the initial response and the devastating losses facing the school community.

For families and school staff seeking support, Bend-La Pine Schools has announced free opportunities to speak with crisis counselors on Friday, October 16. A gathering at the Deschutes County Central Library, 61956 SE Santorini Street, runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by another at Larkspur Community Center, 1600 SE Reed Market Road, from 4 to 7 p.m. Both are offered in a drop-in format, with details available through the district’s Silver Rail Community Information Hub.

Here at That Oregon Life, we are holding Becky, her family and everyone affected close in our thoughts. We hope they have the care, comfort and space they need in the days ahead. For those wondering how to show support, respecting the family’s request for privacy is one meaningful place to begin.