A Morning of Hope Turned to Horror
It was supposed to be a regular morning, the kind that most high school students across the country experience before a big event, where excitement fills the air. The wrestling team at Stewartville High School was preparing to board their bus for an eagerly awaited tournament. But just after 5:00 a.m., as the crisp December air lingered, a violent act shattered the serenity. Gunshots rang out in the parking lot, setting in motion a tragedy that would haunt the small town for years.
Within moments, two victims lay on the ground: a teenage wrestler and a former coach. Authorities quickly arrived at the scene and found the young athlete suffering from a gunshot wound. He had been walking toward the bus when the shot struck him. A coach and several teammates rushed to assist, and emergency responders immediately transported the injured teen to a nearby hospital. Surgery followed, but his condition remains critical. The community holds its breath, praying for his recovery.
A Familiar Face Behind the Tragedy: Former Coach Found Dead
But it was not just a random act of violence. The second victim, Logan, was a former coach at Stewartville High School, identified later that morning. He had been dismissed from his position for violating district policies, including coaching a student during the off-season. Investigators believe Logan may have held a deep resentment over his termination, and tragically, it appears that he targeted the teen wrestler—blaming him for his firing.
Logan’s body was found near the injured student, a rifle by his side. Authorities quickly ruled the death as a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and while the connection between Logan and the student was not immediately clear, further investigation reveals that the coach’s distress over his dismissal may have played a pivotal role in the tragedy. What began as a dispute over a policy violation now seems to have escalated into a personal vendetta that led to violence.
The Community’s Struggle: Mourning and Seeking Answers
As the investigation continues, the residents of Stewartville are left reeling. The small-town community, where everyone knows each other, has been rocked to its core. The tragedy occurred just as the wrestling team was preparing for a tournament, and the quick actions of coaches and staff in securing the students were crucial in limiting the extent of the harm. Most of the students were quickly moved to safety, though many were shaken by the violence they witnessed or heard.
In response to the shooting, Stewartville High School suspended classes for the day, and several events—including a Friday night basketball game—were canceled. Superintendent Belinda Selfors expressed the collective sorrow of the district, acknowledging that the impact of such violence ripples through everyone, from students to staff. Counseling and emotional support services have been made available for those affected, especially for the students who witnessed the harrowing events firsthand.