Rubi Patricia Vergara, Erin West Obituary, Death – The tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, claimed the lives of a teacher and a student, whose identities were confirmed by the Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office on Wednesday. The victims were Rubi Patricia Vergara, a 14-year-old freshman, and Erin West, a 42-year-old substitute coordinator. Autopsy results revealed both died from gunshot wounds.
Rubi, the daughter of Vicente and Jennifer Vergara, was remembered as a creative and loving individual. Her obituary highlighted her passion for reading, art, singing, and playing the keyboard in her family worship band. She also shared a deep bond with her pets, Ginger the cat and Coco the dog. Erin West, a valued staff member, was instrumental in the school’s operations.
The shooting occurred on Monday at approximately 11 a.m. during a study hall session. According to Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes, a 15-year-old student, identified as Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow, entered the study hall and began firing indiscriminately. Police do not currently believe Rupnow targeted specific individuals but are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
Chief Barnes emphasized the indiscriminate nature of the attack, stating, “Everyone in that room had an equal chance of dying that day.” It remains unclear if Rupnow was assigned to be in the study hall where the shooting occurred.
In addition to the two fatalities, six others were injured in the incident. Two students sustained life-threatening injuries and were reported to be in critical condition. A teacher and three other students suffered non-life-threatening injuries, with two being discharged from the hospital later that evening. Privacy laws have restricted the police from receiving updates on the conditions of the remaining hospitalized victims.
The shooting ended when Rupnow turned the gun on herself. She was transported to a local hospital, where she later died. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, and authorities have yet to release information about the injured individuals.
This devastating event has left the Madison community in mourning, as family, friends, and the school community grapple with the loss and trauma. Both Rubi and Erin are remembered as cherished members of the Abundant Life Christian School family, and their absence leaves a profound void.