Yesterday we reacted in horror upon hearing that a teenager had been shot in a Toronto high school. This feeling only intensified when it was later revealed that he had died of his wounds.
Jordan Manners, 15, was hit in the chest around 2:30 p.m. yesterday. The Grade 9 student was rushed to Sunnybrook hospital, where he later died. He had just celebrated his 15th birthday on Friday. He is described as popular, trustworthy youth who was well known and liked in his community.
Initial reports indicate that there was a fight about fireworks outside of the school. The gunman went into the school, and not long later Jordan was shot.
Schools used to be a refuge where children could learn, interact, and laugh. It is frightening to think that kids are contemplating death before they understand what it means to live.
Generally we feel that we are immune to this stuff here in Canada. We have relatively strict gun control laws in the country so one wouldn't expect that kids would have ready access to them. Some suggest that they are illegally brought in from the US. I don't know if this is true or not, I do know I have been asked on numerous border crossings if I have guns.
My final comment on this sad case . . . today's papers all feature a large photo of Jordan's mother collapsing to the ground outside of the hospital seconds after she has been told that her son has died. I really despise the media vultures! People should be able to live their grief with some privacy before the press intrudes . . .
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