Fourth daughter dies in hospital days after three sisters were shot and killed by their mum
Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing
In a tragic update, the fourth daughter of a mother who shot all of her children in a killing spree at their Wyoming home has succumbed to her injuries and died.
Olivia Blackmer was just seven years old when she and her three sisters were shot by their mother, Tranyelle Harshman, on 10 February, who then turned the gun on herself.
Harshman's other three children - Brailey, nine, Brooke, two, and Jordan, two - died at the scene after suffering gunshot wounds to the head.
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Olivia survived the devastating series of events and was transported to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
But tragically, on Saturday 15 February, the girl passed away.
Harshman was pronounced dead on Tuesday, 11 February, days after she made a horrifying phone call to 911 to report a shooting.
The American was reported to have opened fire at her children, according to a release from Big Horn County Sheriff's Office, with it further detailing: "The dispatcher pleaded with the female caller over the phone for the female caller to remain on the line until responding units arrive. The female caller stated multiple times that she could not do that and that it was too late," adding that the shooting took place around 1:30pm.
Yesterday, a statement was released by the family confirming Olivia's death.
It was previously revealed that the seven-year-old was responding to touch, but was still sedated.
"Olivia is with her sisters now," it began. "She gained her angel wings yesterday (15 February) at 3:44pm. She fought so so hard up til the last minute! Her body and her brain had been through too much, medication helped but we reached a point where medical options were exhausted and her body only continued to get worse."
The update went on: "She kept fighting through it all though until her heart stopped. We are grateful she hung on as long as she did so we could get some valuable time with our sweet baby girl the last five days.
"We want to thank each and every one of you for your prayers and support for our family. We are in a rough spot with the tragic passing of both daughters," they explained.
The statement added that they have been grieving, but are thankful for the support from others, having raised over $108,000 (£85,700) to help 'take time off work, cope with their loss, prepare a funeral, and cover medical costs for their daughter'.
A further update stated that funeral details are pending.
Harshman's husband had previously released a statement, claiming that she's 'not a monster', and that it was 'out of character'.
he went on: “We’d been getting her help, and along the way something didn’t work. As angry as I may be with her, I still love her — and I still lost her as well.”
A friend of Harshman, Briana Baker, said that the mother had mental health problems, such as post-partum depression.
She added: “Everything can change in an instant. Never allow yourself to think, ‘it couldn’t be me.’ Stay humble and kind.
"You never know what someone is struggling with inside of their mind. Tranyelle was not the monster this tragedy makes her seem to be. Her loved ones don’t want her to be remembered for her darkest moments.
"She was sweet, loving and funny. Her children were her main focus in life."
Two GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to support the family in this tough time, and you can donate here or here.
If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.
Topics: Mental Health, Health, Crime, US News, Parenting
Joshua Nair