Brailey Shae Blackmer, a 9-year-old white female from Byron, Wyoming, tragically died on February 10, 2025, in a devastating murder-suicide that shook the small community. Brailey was known for her vibrant personality, bright red hair, and contagious laugh. She was described as spunky, intelligent, and deeply kind—an intuitive and generous soul who brought joy to her classmates and family alike.
Her father, Quinn Blackmer, remembered her as his “twin,” full of humor and creativity, often making up silly songs and demanding daily Grinch impressions from her school principal.
On the afternoon of February 10, Brailey and her younger sister Olivia, age 7, were shot in the head by their mother, Tranyelle Harshman, a 32-year-old woman who had reportedly called 911 to inform authorities of the location of the children before turning the gun on herself. Brailey died at the scene, while Olivia was rushed to a hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she underwent brain surgery and fought for her life for several days before passing away on February 15. Two other young girls, Jordan and Brooke Harshman, ages 3 and 2 respectively, also died at the scene. They were the daughters of Cliff Harshman, Tranyelle's partner.
The incident was classified as a murder-suicide, and no arrests were made, as the suspected perpetrator, Tranyelle Harshman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound the following day. The tragedy left both Quinn Blackmer and Cliff Harshman grieving the loss of their daughters. Despite past tensions following Quinn and Tranyelle's divorce, the fathers found solidarity in their shared grief. Quinn, who remained by Olivia's side during her hospitalization, pleaded publicly for prayers and support, expressing the depth of his heartbreak and the hope he held for Olivia's recovery before her passing.
The community responded with an outpouring of support, including verified fundraising efforts to assist both families. Brailey's memory lives on through the stories shared by loved ones, highlighting her leadership, academic excellence, and the joy she brought to everyone around her. Her death, along with those of her sisters, remains a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of mental health awareness and family support systems.
