Nerissa Lee Obituary, Death – A deadly shooting outside a Berwyn, Illinois middle school has left three people dead, including one of the school’s administrators. Authorities and school officials have confirmed that Lincoln Middle School Assistant Principal Nerissa Lee was among those killed in Tuesday’s incident.
The announcement was made by Berwyn North School District 98 Superintendent Dr. Michelle Smith, who shared the news with families and community members in a message posted to the district’s Facebook page. “It is with great sadness that I announce to you that Nerissa Lee, Assistant Principal at Lincoln Middle School, lost her life in yesterday’s tragic shooting that occurred outside of Lincoln,” Smith wrote. She added that while classes will resume on Thursday, counselors will be on site to support grieving students and staff.
Smith also stressed that the shooting was tied to a domestic violence situation and did not represent an ongoing threat to the broader school community. The reassurance came as parents and staff expressed concern over the safety of the school and its students.
The incident unfolded around 4 p.m. Tuesday, just outside the school located in the 6400 block of 16th Street. At the time, roughly 100 students were still inside the building participating in after-school programs. Police officers, who happened to be nearby, reported hearing what sounded like 20 gunshots erupting in quick succession.
When officers responded, they witnessed a man armed with a rifle firing into another vehicle. As police moved closer, the gunman turned his weapon toward them and began shooting. Officers quickly sought cover but did not return fire. Moments later, the shooter apparently took his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police.
Authorities confirmed that three people were killed in the violence: Assistant Principal Lee, the shooter, and another victim who has not yet been publicly identified. Police have also withheld the identity of the shooter while they continue their investigation into the domestic circumstances that sparked the attack.
Despite the intense and chaotic scene, none of the students inside Lincoln Middle School were harmed. School leaders quickly enacted lockdown procedures to keep children safe until the situation was under control.
The tragedy has shaken the Berwyn community, not only because of the loss of life but also because it occurred so close to a place meant to be safe for children. Lee’s death has left a deep impact on her colleagues, students, and parents who knew her as a dedicated educator and leader within the district.
As investigators work to gather more details, including the identities of the other two individuals killed, the focus remains on supporting the school community as it processes the loss. Superintendent Smith’s message underscored that grief counseling and mental health support will be made available for anyone affected.
While the official investigation continues, the community of Berwyn is mourning the sudden loss of Assistant Principal Nerissa Lee, whose death marks the most personal connection to a tragedy that unfolded on the doorstep of a school she served.
