Categories: U.S.

Funeral held for sole victim of Iowa school shooting, 11-year-old remembered for ‘vibrant soul’

close Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for January 11

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.

Hundreds of people said goodbye Thursday to a vibrant 11-year-old boy known as “Smiley,” a week after he was shot to death at his Iowa school by an older student who also wounded seven other children and staff members before killing himself.

Residents of the small community of Perry packed a Catholic church and spilled over to a nearby church where the funeral for Ahmir Jolliff was televised. They recalled a boy with a “spirit bigger than his 11-year-old body could contain,” as the Rev. Andrea Brownlee put it.

“He had a vibrant soul. His catching smile and his endless energy are what most people have shared with me when sharing their thoughts about Ahmir,” said Brownlee, of First Christian Church. “He was always on the move. He refused to stay in one place, seeking adventure and excitement in every aspect of his life.”

‘SIMPLY DEVASTATED’: PARENTS OF IOWA TEEN WHO KILLED 1 AND WOUNDED 7 IN SHOOTING RELEASE STATEMENT

A 17-year-old student armed with a shotgun and handgun killed Ahmir before classes began Jan. 4, the first day back from winter break. The high school principal, two other staff members and four students were wounded and the shooter, Dylan Butler, later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

This undated photo shows Ahmir Jolliff, who was murdered last Thursday in the Perry, Iowa, high school shooting. He was 11. (Erica Jolliff via AP)

School in the city of 8,000 people northwest of Des Moines has been canceled since the shooting, but elementary students will go back to class next Thursday and middle school students will return next Friday. District officials have said the high school won’t reopen until repairs are completed, but the shooting started in the cafeteria the middle school shares with the high school, so the repairs must be done there before the middle school can reopen.

Speaking near a blonde wood coffin topped with a wreath of flowers, Brownlee described Ahmir as a person who hemmed his family together. Ahmir, a sixth-grader known by his family as Smiley, was someone who stood up for his friends and wouldn’t back down from bullies, Brownlee said.

“Ahmir was not just a bright light or a drink of joy, he was a firm defender of justice,” Brownlee said. “He stood up against bullies, supporting those who needed a voice and ensuring that kindness always prevailed.”

In an earlier interview, his mother, Erica Jolliff, described her son as an outgoing boy who seemed to know everyone in Perry.

“He was so well-loved and he loved everyone,” Jolliff said.

In a statement several days after the shooting, Butler’s parents said they never had a hint beforehand about the “horrible violence” their son was planning and said they were cooperating with investigators to understand “this senseless crime.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“We are simply devastated and our grief for the deceased, his family, the wounded and their families is immeasurable,” Jack and Erin Butler said in the statement.

Share

Recent Posts

7 US hostages still held by Hamas terrorists as families plead for their release: ‘this is urgent’

close Video 'We have to get the hostages back,' Israeli president tells Biden Israeli President…

29 minutes ago

Israel opens fire in Lebanon at ‘suspects’ allegedly violating truce, which has entered its second day

close Video Former Israeli ambassador sees ‘lots of skepticism’ around cease-fire plan Michael Oren, former…

29 minutes ago

Russia launches another large missile, drone attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure

close Video Russia targets Ukraine's energy infrastructure, launches more than 120 missiles, 90 drones Fox…

29 minutes ago

Biden admin urges Ukraine to lower draft age to conscript 18-year-olds

close Video Keith Kellogg touted after being named Trump's envoy to Ukraine-Russia: 'Strategic thinker' Veteran…

29 minutes ago

Amazon’s VP explains how to protect yourself from holiday impersonation scams

Black Friday is around the corner, and by the time you finish your Thanksgiving leftovers,…

49 minutes ago

Top 5 biggest political turkeys ripped by conservatives in 2024

As the 2024 election season comes to a close, several prominent figures in the media…

3 hours ago