Kristi Kathleen Beckel, a 14-year-old girl from Fort Worth, Texas, tragically lost her life on September 15, 1999. She was one of the victims of a mass shooting at Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, where gunman Larry Gene Ashbrook opened fire during a prayer rally. Kristi was remembered as a tender-hearted, disciplined girl with a contagious laugh and a strong faith in God.
She was an avid volleyball player and a member of the National Honor Society at her school.
The shooting resulted in the deaths of seven people, including Kristi. The incident deeply affected the community, and Kristi's funeral was attended by at least 1,500 people. Her closed-casket funeral was held at Bethesda Community Church, and she was buried in Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Ardmore, Oklahoma, where her two grandmothers lived.
Larry Gene Ashbrook, the shooter, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. No other suspects were identified, and there were no further arrests or litigations related to the case. The community and Kristi's family were left to mourn and seek comfort in their faith and the memories of the young girl who was described as always happy and at peace.
Kristi's parents, Bob and Debbie Beckel, donated all of their daughter's organs, which could help up to 60 recipients. The Beckel family also requested that any donations be given to Kristi's school to help complete a new hardwood floor in the gym where she played volleyball. The tragedy brought the community together in grief and solidarity, and Kristi's memory continues to be honored by those who knew and loved her.
