Anne Marie Hochhalter, who was severely wounded and partially paralyzed in the Columbine High School shooting, has passed away. Her death has been ruled a homicide, bringing the death toll of the 1999 Columbine shooting to 14. This tragic event continues to impact the community decades later.
Read Also...:
Gene Hackman's estate asks court to block release of death investigation records
03-17, 2025
Gene-edited 'woolly' mice a step towards bringing back the extinct woolly mammoth
03-17, 2025
Police are seeking person who set a man on fire near Times Square
03-17, 2025
Anthony Albanese 'open to considering any requests' to support lasting peace in Ukraine amid international talks
03-17, 2025An autopsy report released by the Jefferson County Coroner's Office indicated that Anne Marie Hochhalter died on February 16 from sepsis, a reaction to an infection, and that complications from her paralysis were a "significant condition" contributing to her death. She was 43 years old at the time of her passing, marking a premature end to a life marked by resilience.
In the years following the shooting, Hochhalter struggled with severe pain from her gunshot wounds, but she worked to overcome the complications from her injuries and maintained a positive attitude. Family and friends said she tirelessly helped others, including people with disabilities and her family, and loved puppies. Her dedication to helping others despite her own challenges was truly inspiring.
Hochhalter chose to forgive Sue Klebold, the mother of one of the shooters, and wrote in a 2016 letter to Sue Klebold, "A good friend once told me, 'Resentment is like swallowing a poison pill and expecting the other person to die.' It only hurts you. I have forgiven you and wish you well." On the 25th anniversary of the shooting, Hochhalter posted on Facebook, "This anniversary is the most healing one for me." She also wrote, "25 years have gone by, but it doesn't feel that long. Due to PTSD, I couldn't attend the 20th anniversary 5 years ago, but I attended last night's vigil. I have truly been able to heal my soul since that horrific day in 1999." Her journey towards healing and forgiveness serves as a powerful message.
The shooters, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, shot and killed 12 students and one teacher before taking their own lives. Hochhalter actively spoke out for victims of mass violence and attended a vigil for the victims of the 2012 Aurora theater shooting. She said she wanted to offer hope to the victims' loved ones and survivors. At the vigil, she advised, "Trying to figure out the shooters' motives is a waste of time, it only gives them what they wanted." She forgave Klebold's mother, who published a book about her experience, and said she was glad the book's profits would be donated to charities focused on mental health. Her advocacy and compassion left a lasting impact on the community and beyond.
