Students Back At School Following Death Of Classmate In Grantsville Shooting

GRANTSVILLE, Utah – Tuesday was the first day back for students at Grantsville High School after losing one of their classmates in a tragic shooting.

Fifteen-year-old Alexis Haynie was one of four family members who were shot to death inside their Grantsville home on Jan. 17. Her mother, Consuelo Alejandra Haynie, and her two siblings, 14-year-old Matthew and 12-year-old Maylan were also killed. Her father, Colin Haynie, was injured. A juvenile male suspect, also believed to be a member of the family, was taken into custody.

Counselors will be on hand the next two days at the high school, but support has poured in from around the community – including from neighboring high schools.

“They’re part of our community too, and we love them,” said Stansbury High School student body officer Lucy Jones. “It’s been hard for them, and we just want to show our support.”

Jones is among several student body officers and club members from different high schools that didn’t let being from opposite sides of town created a divide.

Students from Stansbury & Tooele High School show their support to students at Grantsville High with messages of love. Today they surprised them with signs throughout the halls reading “you are not alone” and “Tooele Strong” and “Red, purple, blue, we are here for you” ❤️💜💙 pic.twitter.com/ABfBvbFNDS

— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaKSL) January 21, 2020

“Whatever gave us motivation, we wanted to help them stay strong. You are loved,” she said about messages they posted throughout the halls of Grantsville High School.

“For our students at different high schools to come and create such positive messaging – that they support the Grantsville area and to surprise the Grantsville students – was fantastic and very heartfelt,” said Marie Denson, the communications director for Tooele County School District.

She said there will be grief counselors in the school library and the counseling center for any students who need them.

District officials said they encourage those who want to attend the Friday funeral service to do so. There will be substitute teachers in place for any educators who want to attend, as well.

Counseling services are also offered at the Grantsville City Library for the public.