Community grieves in wake of senseless tragedy
As a relatively quiet winter break came to a close, Moscow was shaken by a tragic shooting spree that left three dead and one injured.
Details of the crime began to emerge Saturday afternoon and as community members, family, friends and students learned of the shooting, reactions ranged from horror to confusion to shock and sadness.
Before long, social media and news sites were flooded with comments from current and former residents sending their prayers, love, thoughts and condolences to the small town that has been home to thousands throughout the years.
While police continue to search for a motive and answer questions about what exactly happened that day, people mourn the loss of Terri Grzebielski, David Trail and Belinda Niebuhr — three people who clearly impacted the community in more ways than one.
Tragedies like this have become more frequent in recent years, but the perception still remains that “it’ll never happen in our town.” When it does, the headlines and news updates are jarring and emotionally disturbing.
Moscow is a place where so many come to grow up. It’s the place where people learn who they are, what they want to be and how they’ll get there. Memories, lifelong friendships, life lessons and hardships are all made here. It’s a college town that embraces the university students who reside here nine months out of every year, and also provides a caring, vibrant and tight-knit community for year-round residents.
For those who call it home for life and those who call it home for only a few years, it’s a special place. So when bad things happen, it strikes a chord in everyone who has ever lived, loved or made a connection here.
The outpouring of love from every corner of the country and across the globe is a testament to the way this community brings people together, and the way we are forever connected to it.
Acts of tragic violence impact many more than just the victims. The families are changed forever, and as they grieve the loss of their loved ones, many join them in sorrow.
For those affected by the deaths or who are simply grieving at the thought of such violence affecting their beloved small town, there are many resources available on campus and in the community to assist in this time of tragedy. It’s OK to be sad, angry, confused and hurt by the damage done. It’s OK to grieve and it’s OK to ask for help.
Many share these sentiments, and it’s important to remember everyone affected is in this together. You are not alone.
Unfortunately, Moscow and UI have seen this type of tragedy before. Somehow, the community has picked itself up, and those who treasure Moscow will do it again.
The lives of Terri, David and Belinda will never be forgotten. They danced, donated and loved this place as much as anyone, and it’s safe to say they wouldn’t want hate to take away the place they left behind.
–KK