Heartbreaking details have emerged from the mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, including a final text message sent by 14-year-old Mason Schermerhorn to his mother just before he was killed. His sister is now speaking out about the devastating loss.

Mason was one of four students who lost their lives in the tragedy. During the chaos, he texted his mom from a bathroom inside the school. Ronald Clark, a local youth pastor and chaplain, was at a store when he heard what had happened. He rushed to the school to help support the families and police on the scene.

Clark described the atmosphere as heartbreaking and overwhelming. While trying to assist however he could, he encountered wounded students and listened to their stories, many of them still in shock. Survivors opened up to him, hoping it might help them begin to process the trauma.

In the midst of the search for Mason, Clark spoke with his mother, who still believed her son was okay. She told him Mason, who was autistic, had messaged her saying he was hiding in a bathroom. But when Clark showed Mason’s photo to the authorities at the command center, he received the tragic confirmation that Mason was among the four students who had been killed. He described the pain of having to tell Mason’s mom—just one day after she had spoken about her close bond with her children.

Clark remembered Mason as a bright, joyful kid who was loved by everyone who knew him. Though he was autistic, Mason never let that define who he was. His personality and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone around him.

Additional text messages from another 14-year-old student highlight the terror inside the school during the attack. The student messaged his mom in a panic, writing, “School shooting rn. I’m scared, pls, I’m not joking,” followed later by, “Class. Someone’s dead.”

Mason’s older sister, Alanna Wallace, also shared her grief publicly, remembering Mason as a loving, energetic boy who cared deeply for those around him. Despite being the younger sibling, she said Mason was always protective of her and looked out for others regardless of their differences.

Alanna is now leaning on her friends and drawing strength from Mason’s memory. She says she’s trying to honor his spirit by spreading the same kindness and light he brought to the world.