In the spring of 2015, the community of Tempe, Arizona, was shaken by the tragic death of Marcus Wheeler, an 18-year-old male student at Corona del Sol High School. A standout athlete, Wheeler was the reigning Arizona Division I cross country state champion and had a promising future, having committed to run for Central Arizona College.
On the morning of May 12, 2015, Wheeler posted alarming messages on Twitter, indicating his intention to take his own life at the school.
School staff were alerted that a student had a gun on campus, and a school resource officer located Wheeler. The officer, a mother herself, attempted to de-escalate the situation and talk him into surrendering the weapon. Despite her efforts, Wheeler died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a breezeway near the school's gym.
The incident prompted a lockdown at the school for about 90 minutes before students were sent home for the day. No other students were physically harmed in the incident. The event left the student body, staff, and the wider community in shock and mourning for the loss of a talented young life. In the wake of the tragedy, counselors and mental health professionals were made available to support students.
