Grant John Siefker, a 15-year-old student from Columbus Grove, Ohio, tragically passed away on January 7, 2024, as a result of a shooting incident. The incident occurred shortly before 3 a.m. on Sunday at a residence in the 11000 block of Slabtown Road in Allen County.
Upon receiving a 911 call, deputies from the Allen County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene, where Putnam County EMS was already performing life-saving procedures on Siefker. He was transported to Mercy Health in Lima, Ohio, where he succumbed to his injuries. The property where the incident took place is owned by Bryan and Kate Blue, with Kate Blue being identified as Siefker's aunt.
In connection with the incident, another 15-year-old male was taken into custody at the shooting scene and is currently being held at the Allen County Juvenile Detention Center. The suspect and victim were family members, and the actions that led to the shooting are still under investigation. According to Major Andre McConnahea of the Allen County Sheriff's Office, the preliminary investigation suggests that the shooting was likely unintentional.
Grant Siefker was a student at Columbus Grove High School and was actively involved in his community. He served as a Mass server at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, was a 4-H member, and participated in the Leo Club. Siefker was also an athlete, playing football and basketball, and running track for the Columbus Grove Bulldogs.
The communities of Columbus Grove and Wapakoneta have come together in support of Siefker's family and friends. The Ottawa-Glandorf High School Facebook page has called for residents of Putnam and Auglaize counties to wear red as a symbol of love and support for both families affected by recent tragic events.
Funeral services for Grant Siefker were scheduled for Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Columbus Grove, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation was held on Tuesday and Wednesday at Hartman Sons Funeral Home in Columbus Grove, with the family requesting visitors to wear their favorite sports attire.
