Witnesses said that the park was crowded with over 100 students and numerous vehicles for a photo session just moments before the shooting. Police and emergency crews arrived within minutes. Officials have not yet disclosed any information about a potential suspect or motive.
Haywood County Schools identified the victim as student Saturah Hayes and announced schools would be closed Monday to allow students, staff and families time to grieve. The school district also said prom had ended early following the incident. Haywood County Sheriff Billy Garrett Jr. described the shooting as a "senseless tragic event" that disrupted what should have been a celebration.
Saturah was a hard-working student with a positive attitude. She was full of potential and promise with hopes and plans for the future that will now remain unrealized the district wrote in a statement on Facebook. We can only hope to uplift her family as they attempt to work through this time of profound grief. We mourn not only the loss of a young life, but also the future unrealized. She will be greatly missed.
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