Local News
Student Marissa Rand Dies Following Self-Inflicted Gunshot at Valley Forge High School in Parma Heights
Authorities in Parma Heights, Ohio, are investigating a tragic incident in which an 18-year-old student died after a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a high school cafeteria.
According to officials, the incident occurred Monday afternoon at Valley Forge High School.
Law enforcement responded to the scene at approximately 2:10 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting on campus.
Parma Police Public Information Officer Scott Traxler confirmed that the incident involved a single gunshot and only one individual.
Authorities emphasized that there was no ongoing threat to other students or staff.
First responders provided immediate aid before transporting the student to a nearby hospital.
Despite medical intervention, she later succumbed to her injuries.
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the student as 18-year-old Marissa R. Rand of Parma, and confirmed the cause of death as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Witnesses described a chaotic and emotional scene as the incident unfolded near dismissal time.
One student, who requested anonymity, said they encountered a school resource officer urgently directing students away from the area.
“I was leaving my last class when I saw the officer yelling for everyone to move,” the student said. “Students were visibly upset and trying to get out quickly. It was a very distressing situation.”
In response, school officials implemented safety protocols and evacuated students to a designated reunification site to ensure accountability and provide support.
The school district announced that Valley Forge High School will remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday to allow time for grief counseling and support services for students and staff impacted by the tragedy.
Authorities have not released additional details as the investigation continues.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.