General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums**Breaking** Columbine survivor Austin Eubanks found dead at his home in Steamboat Springs
Eubanks dedicated his life to inspire others to overcome addiction
This is heart-breaking. These mass murder events don't cease killing--even decades later
https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/columbine-survivor-austin-eubanks-found-dead-at-his-home-in-steamboat-springs-coroner-confirms
Routt County Coroner Rob Ryg confirmed to Contact7 investigator Jace Larson that Eubanks died either late Friday night or early Saturday morning. There were no signs of foul play, Ryg said.
An autopsy will be performed Monday morning to determine the cause of death.
In a statement, his family said Eubanks "lost the battle with the very disease he fought so hard to help others face. Helping to build a community of support is what meant the most to Austin, and we plan to continue his work."
Eubanks was 17 years old when two gunmen entered the library at Columbine High School and killed 10 people inside. Eubanks, who was having lunch with friends in the library, was shot in the hand and knee.
Speaking to Denver7 in 2016, Eubanks said that following the shooting, he chose not to reflect on it, or talk about it much. Part of the reason is that for years after the massacre, Eubanks battled a drug addiction. Doctors had prescribed pills for his physical injuries, which he said were not that severe.
Instead, he used the pills to deal with the emotional pain.
"I didnt know any better. I was 17 years old, and I had been given medication to feel better. Immediately I learned that if I took substances, I didnt have to feel, I didnt have to feel the emotional pain," Eubanks said.
--more-- at the link above
malaise
(267,791 posts)hlthe2b
(101,701 posts)but arguably the entire wider community. I remember being immobilized by orthopedic surgery when it happened and captive to 24/7 tv news coverage for days. I'm not even sure 911 had more impact.
I came to know several of the SWAT team officers from later (non-law enforcement) work of my own--many who have gone on to respond to the Aurora theater shooting, some of the other smaller school shootings and even the STEM school shooting a few weeks ago. It is all cumulative for them too.
But, heavens, those survivors or what was hardly the first (and certainly not the last) school shooting, but an indisputable hallmark event nonetheless. The national and international press continues to descend on the community with each anniversary. I've always feared we'd lose more to the continued stress and difficulties in "moving on."
RIP, Austin Eubanks. May you find peace.
malaise
(267,791 posts)He is finally at peace while Wayne LaPierre is trying on his latest expensive suit.
Downtown Hound
(12,618 posts)We often forget that the official death toll from violence is only the tip of the surface. We lost 4500 soldiers in Iraq. We've lost many more to suicide and addiction since then. 12 people died at Columbine, but those were not the only casualties, and they will not be the last.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)hunter
(38,263 posts)Gun fetishes are disgusting.
U.S.A. gun culture is disgusting.
CurtEastPoint
(18,548 posts)VOX
(22,976 posts)For every single victim, each case of mass slaughter spreads out to involve hundreds, possibly thousands of people: other survivors, friends, extended families and their friends, colleagues, fellow-students, acquaintances, etc.
Stop this fucking insanity NOW.
Initech
(99,909 posts)Seriously, fuck the GOP and the NRA.
wellst0nev0ter
(7,509 posts)Can't imagine living through that trauma
marieo1
(1,402 posts)How sad!! I agree, thank you NRA!! It was a terrible trauma for a 17 year old kid!! He gave all he had to give!! Now may he rest in peace!!
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Wounded Bear
(58,436 posts)Call it what it is. Just like so many war veterans, surviving an attack like that can scar someone for life. It can contribute to addiction and other poor life choices and is a major contributor to suicides. I'm not saying that is what happened, we won't know until the coroner's report, but it sure sounds possible.
Such unnecessary tragedy, all so gun nuts can sleep with their guns.
saidsimplesimon
(7,888 posts)political bias. Dr. Feelgood is the killer. imo
"I didnt know any better. I was 17 years old, and I had been given medication to feel better. Immediately I learned that if I took substances, I didnt have to feel, I didnt have to feel the emotional pain," Eubanks said.
Totally Tunsie
(10,885 posts)Columbine just held their graduation ceremonies yesterday. I wonder if that somehow was an impetus for him. (Note that I had originally written "was a trigger for him" but it was too much irony and looked too much like an unintended pun. One has to be so careful these days.)
AwakeAtLast
(14,112 posts)area51
(11,868 posts)nolabear
(41,915 posts)God DAMN guns.