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Rubi Vergara funeral held Saturday
Rubi Vergara, the 14-year-old student killed in the Madison shooting at Abundant Life Christian School, was laid to rest on Saturday.
MADISON, Wis. - Rubi Vergara, the 14-year-old student killed in the Madison school shooting, was laid to rest on Saturday.
Rubi Vergara
There is no one way to grieve an unexpected loss. Loved ones described Vergara as "a gift to everyone."
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"This week, our family had waves of emotion. Heartache to joyous laughter," said Andy Remus, Vergara's uncle.
Now, her family is leaning on faith. Remus said they've forgiven the student who police said opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School on Monday.
Memorial for Rubi Vergara
"We hold no bitterness or unforgiveness toward 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow and her family. They lost a daughter, too," he said.
During the ceremony, loved ones reflected on Vergara's talents as a musician. She started playing piano when she was 8 years old. She was also an artist who made gifts for loved ones.
"She sang like an angel and would harmonize with anyone," said Dawn Morris, a family friend.
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Vergara's family said they will never understand why her life was taken, but there is one thing they know for sure.
"We’ll carry you in our hearts forever," Abbey Staum, a family friend, said.
Community members packed City Church in Madison. The burial followed at Roselawn Memorial Park.
Procession for Rubi Vergara
Shooting victims
The medical examiner's office identified Vergara and 42-year-old ALCS staff member Erin West. Rupnow died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
A funeral for West will be held at noon on Monday at Doxa Church in Madison.
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Barbara Wiers, the school’s director for elementary and communications, said Vergara had attended the school since kindergarten. West worked as a substitute teacher for three years before accepting a position as the school's substitute coordinator and an in-building substitute teacher.
Four other people were wounded; two remain in critical condition, while two have been released from the hospital.
Shooting at Abundant Life Christian School, Madison
Natalie Rupnow
Police said student Natalie "Samantha" Rupnow, 15, shot herself at the school and died at a Madison hospital. Police have said her motivation for the attack remains a key part of their investigation.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said the FBI is involved and investigating a possible link between Rupnow and a man in California, who investigators said was planning his own attack on an unspecified government building.
"What we need to determine is if that was an actual connection, if they actually knew each other," the chief said.
This was Rupnow’s first semester at ALCS, Wiers told The Associated Press. The school was working with her family on attendance, but teachers had no significant concerns, she said.
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How to help
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Abundant Life Christian School, c/o City Church. Online condolences can be made here.
While the community tries to heal, United Way of Dane County has created a fund to help the school and families recover.
If you wish to support the families, you can donate through a site set up by the United Way of Dane County. You can visit the organization's website or text Help4ALCS to 40403.