Three teenagers died Wednesday in a shooting at Evergreen High School in suburban Denver, including the suspected shooter who was also a student at the school, according to Jefferson County authorities.
The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. at the campus located approximately 30 miles west of Denver. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Jacki Kelley confirmed all three victims were transported to St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, where they succumbed to gunshot wounds.
Authorities have not determined what precipitated the violence or how the suspected shooter sustained fatal injuries. No responding law enforcement officers discharged their weapons during the incident, Kelley stated.
The shooting took place on school grounds, though officials have not confirmed whether it occurred inside the main building or elsewhere on the property.
More than 100 police officers from across the Denver metropolitan area responded to the emergency call. The massive response reflects protocols developed following previous school violence incidents in the region.
Kevin Cullinan, CEO of St. Anthony Hospital, confirmed that all three teenagers brought to the facility had suffered gunshot wounds.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office carries particular significance in Colorado school shooting responses, having served as the primary agency during the 1999 Columbine High School massacre. That attack resulted in 15 deaths, including one victim who died earlier this year from complications related to injuries sustained during the original incident.
Wednesday’s tragedy marks another devastating chapter in American school violence, occurring at a time when educational institutions nationwide have implemented enhanced security measures and emergency response protocols.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to establish a timeline of events and determine circumstances surrounding the shooting. Officials have not released the identities of the victims pending family notifications.
Evergreen High School serves students in the foothills community west of Denver, an area known for its suburban character and outdoor recreation access.