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
Two Experienced Skydivers Levi Pimentel and Georgia Jean Killed in Midair Collision Near Lake Elsinore
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. — Two experienced skydivers have died following a tragic midair collision near Lake Elsinore in Southern California after their parachutes became tangled during their final approach to the landing area.
The victims were identified as Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, and Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota. Both women died Friday after the accident near Skydive Elsinore, according to information released by the skydiving company.
Officials with Skydive Elsinore said the collision occurred approximately 160 feet above the ground as the two women were approaching the landing area. Following the impact, their parachutes became entangled, preventing them from completing a safe landing.
Emergency responders were dispatched at approximately 11:47 a.m. and found both women near the airfield suffering from critical injuries. They were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center, where both later died.
Skydive Elsinore described Pimentel and Jean as experienced, licensed skydivers who were familiar with the sport.
According to the company, the freefall portion of the jump appeared to proceed normally. Both women reportedly deployed their parachutes at the expected altitude, and officials said there were no indications of equipment failures.
The company also addressed weather conditions at the time of the accident. Winds were reportedly strong, with gusts reaching approximately 20 mph. However, investigators have not determined whether the wind conditions contributed to the collision.
Skydive Elsinore said it was devastated by the deaths of the two women and extended its condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.
The fatal accident occurred near Lake Elsinore, a city in Riverside County located approximately 70 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, and officials have not established whether weather or other factors played a role in the incident.