Parkland Hospital Victims: Where Are They Now?

On February 14, 2018, a mass shooting occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, killing 17 people and injuring 18 others. The incident is the deadliest mass shooting at a high school in US history. The victims' families have turned their pain into action, advocating for gun control and creating resources to address school safety issues. The Parkland community has also honoured the victims with a memorial featuring 17 stone-clad obelisks, each bearing the name of a victim. The memorial, designed by Gordon Huether, was chosen by the Parkland 17 Memorial Foundation to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the tragedy.

Victims' families founded Stand with Parkland to honour deceased victims

The families of the victims of the Parkland school shooting united to found Stand with Parkland, a national organisation representing American families. The group was formed in response to the tragic loss of 17 lives at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on February 14, 2018. The shooting also wounded 18 others.

Stand with Parkland aims to bring about meaningful change to address violence in schools and ensure that no other families endure similar pain. The organisation advocates for practical public safety reforms, focusing on improving school safety, enhancing mental health support, and promoting responsible firearms ownership.

The group's mission is driven by the courage of surviving students who have spoken out, as well as the outpouring of love and support they received from millions of people worldwide. They recognise that violence in schools is an American epidemic that affects everyone and requires collective action.

Stand with Parkland proposes concrete measures such as securing school perimeters, implementing universal background checks for firearm ownership, and developing effective support programs to identify and assist at-risk individuals. They believe that personal responsibility and a united desire for change are crucial to achieving their goals.

By sharing their stories and working together, the families of the Parkland victims honour the memory of their loved ones while striving to create a safer future for children and staff in educational institutions across the nation.

Victim Scott Beigel's family started a memorial fund in his name

On February 14, 2018, a mass shooting occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, killing 17 people and injuring 17 others. One of the victims was Scott Beigel, a 35-year-old geography teacher and cross-country coach. Beigel died while trying to protect his students, unlocking his classroom door to let them in during the attack. As the students rushed into the classroom, Beigel attempted to lock the door again to keep the shooter out and was struck by a bullet.

In memory of Scott Beigel, his family started a memorial fund in his name. The Scott Beigel Memorial Fund aims to fund summer camp tuition for students traumatized by school shootings, a cause that was close to Beigel's heart. The fund is actively involved in events, including a 5K run, and has partnered with Oneida-based Camp Fiver, receiving an honorary award from the organization.

The Parkland shooting shocked the community and led to an outpouring of support and memorials for the victims. A memorial featuring 17 stone-clad obelisks, each bearing the name of one of the victims, was unveiled in the run-up to the seventh anniversary of the tragedy. The Parkland 17 Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization, selected the design by artist Gordon Huether, who described his work as "a gesture of love for those lives taken, for the community, and for one another."

The shooting also sparked efforts to improve school safety and prevent similar tragedies from occurring again. The School Safety Task Force (SSTF), established in 2019, is dedicated to creating resources and products to address the most pressing issues facing K-12 communities. The families of the Parkland victims have been actively involved in advocating for change and turning their pain into progress.

The Parkland shooting marked the sixth mass shooting in Florida and the 81st in the United States in 2025, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence in the country. The incident sparked conversations about gun control and the need for stricter regulations to protect students and educators.

Anthony Borges, shot five times, survived and is a hero

On February 14, 2018, a mass shooting occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, when 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz opened fire on students and staff, killing 17 people and injuring 18 others. The incident is the deadliest mass shooting at a high school in US history.

Anthony Borges, the last victim to remain hospitalized, was shot five times in the back and legs and survived. Dubbed "the real Iron Man", he used his body to barricade the door of a classroom where twenty students were inside. He was honoured with a humanitarian award at the 2018 BET Awards.

Borges underwent more than a dozen surgeries and still lives in pain. He received a $1.25 million settlement from the Broward County school district and an undisclosed settlement from the FBI for their failures in preventing the shooting. He also sued Cruz, winning the rights to Cruz's name, which means that Cruz cannot grant interviews or make any agreements with film producers or authors without Borges's permission.

Borges, a promising soccer player before the shooting, has struggled with the physical and mental aftermath of the tragedy. The road to recovery has been challenging, and the full extent of the long-term impact on his health remains uncertain.

Peter Wang, a cadet, lost his life but saved many others

Peter Wang was a 15-year-old cadet and student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, who lost his life during the deadly 2018 school shooting. Wang was a member of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) and was posthumously awarded the ROTC Medal of Heroism for his actions during the shooting.

During the shooting, Wang demonstrated incredible bravery and selflessness by holding the exit door open and pushing students out to safety while under fire. His actions helped numerous students escape the gunfire, saving their lives. Wang's quick thinking and courage in the face of danger exemplify the principles promoted by the academy.

Wang's story is one of heroism and sacrifice. He was buried in his uniform, and his funeral was attended by distraught loved ones, including his mother, who shared heartfelt words. Wang's friends, family, and former teachers described him as a hero, and a petition was created to honour him with a full military burial. The state of Florida also recognised his bravery by ordering the Florida National Guard to attend his funeral.

Wang's dream was to attend the United States Military Academy and contribute to the service of his country. In recognition of his bravery and potential, the academy posthumously admitted him to the class of 2025, a rare honour. Wang's legacy continues to inspire, and his story serves as a reminder of the power of courage and selflessness in the face of danger.

The Parkland shooting, which took place on February 14, 2018, resulted in 17 fatalities and 18 injuries. It was a tragic event that left a lasting impact on the community and sparked conversations about gun control and school safety. Various funds were set up to help the victims and their families, including the Florida's Crime Victims Compensation Fund and the National Compassion Fund.

Teachers Melissa Falkowski and Scott Beigel are remembered for their heroism

On February 14, 2018, a mass shooting occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, killing 17 people and injuring 18 others. The incident is the deadliest mass shooting at a high school in U.S. history.

Geography teacher and cross-country coach Scott Beigel died while saving others, according to students and colleagues. Student Kelsey Friend recalled how Beigel unlocked a classroom door during the gunfire and ushered students inside. In his act of heroism, Beigel was shot dead as he tried to re-lock the door to ensure the safety of the students inside. Beigel's mother, Linda Beigel Schulman, delivered an emotional speech imploring an end to gun violence. Beigel's father, Michael Schulman, also spoke at his son's funeral, asking that his son be remembered not for his heroic actions in his final moments, but for the heroic actions taken throughout his life.

Beigel's legacy is remembered by his students and his cross-country team, not only for his quick wit and sarcasm but also for his huge heart. Beigel's friend and colleague, Jeff Foster, recalled how Beigel's heroism was not defined by a single instant but by his entire life. Beigel is remembered for his inspiring leadership and the energy and enthusiasm he brought to the cross-country team.

Teacher Melissa Falkowski, who was also present during the shooting, escorted her students out of the classroom and to safety.

Hundreds of people from across the country congregated in Pine Trails Park to honor the life of Scott Beigel and the 16 other victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Victim Scott Beigel's family started a memorial fund in his name, aiming to fund summer camp tuition for students traumatized by school shootings, reflecting Beigel's passion.

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