Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Ahmir Jolliff’s Tragic Death on the First Day Back to School

DES MOINES, Iowa — (AP) — On the first day back to school after winter break, tragedy struck Perry, Iowa. Ahmir Jolliff, an 11-year-old boy known as “Smiley” around his house, was senselessly killed in a school shooting. The incident occurred at Perry High School when a 17-year-old student opened fire in the cafeteria, leaving Ahmir and seven others wounded. The shooter later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Ahmir, a vibrant and cheerful sixth-grader, was eagerly looking forward to reuniting with his friends. His mother, Erica Jolliff, described him as a whirlwind of activity who loved soccer, played the tuba, and sang in the choir. Ahmir’s kind nature was evident in his habit of asking people about their day and leaving a trunk of toys unlocked in the front yard for anyone to enjoy.

Tragically, Ahmir’s excitement for school turned into a nightmare when he was shot three times before classes even began. His mother, who arrived moments after the incident, desperately searched for her children amidst the chaos. While her daughter was unharmed, Ahmir was nowhere to be found. Heartbroken, Erica Jolliff had a sinking feeling that her son was still inside the building.

As the investigation unfolds, shocking details have emerged about the alleged shooter, Dylan Butler. Friends of Butler claim that he had been a victim of bullying for years, with teachers and school officials allegedly turning a blind eye to his suffering. Erica Jolliff expressed her condolences to Butler’s family, acknowledging the pain they must be going through.

The shooting occurred in the cafeteria just after 7:30 a.m. on the first day back to school. Authorities have revealed that Butler possessed a pump-action shotgun, a small-caliber handgun, and even had a rudimentary improvised explosive device in his possession. Thankfully, the explosive was rendered safe.

While investigators are still piecing together Butler’s background and the school environment, Superintendent Clark Wicks defended the district’s response to bullying incidents. He emphasized that they take every bullying situation seriously and strive to maintain a safe and inviting atmosphere for all students.

Perry, a close-knit community with approximately 8,000 residents, is located about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines. The Perry Community School District, which includes the high school where the shooting took place, serves around 1,785 students.

Erica Jolliff remembers her son as a beacon of happiness and sociability. With his perpetual grin and friendly demeanor, Ahmir was beloved by everyone in town. Despite not knowing the details of Butler’s situation, Jolliff expressed sympathy for him and hopes that this tragedy serves as a wake-up call for school administrators to prioritize the well-being of their students.

The investigation into the Perry High School shooting is ongoing, and authorities are determined to gain a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the tragedy. As the community mourns the loss of Ahmir Jolliff, they also reflect on the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment within schools, striving to ensure that no child falls through the cracks.

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Associated Press writer Ryan J. Foley contributed to this report from Iowa City, Iowa.

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