Editor’s note: In the original version of this story we reported that the teen was shot in the vicinity of 7th Street and Monroe Blvd., which was information provided by the Ogden School District. The location of the shooting was later updated by Ogden City Police.
OGDEN — A 16-year-old has died after a shooting incident near Ben Lomond High School on Tuesday.
According to the Ogden School District, the victim was shot near 5th Street and Gramercy Avenue, and then came to Ben Lomond High School for help. Police said they haven’t identified a suspect and no one is in custody.
The Ogden School District confirmed the shooting victim was a student at Ben Lomond High School.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that the student has passed away as a result of their injuries,” said Ben Lomond High School Principal Velden Wardle. “Out of respect for the student’s family and because this remains an active police investigation, we are unable to release additional details at this time.”
Ogden police said Ben Lomond High School staff and a school resource officer provided first aid to the teenager before emergency responders arrived.
The district said students had already been released for the day when the shooting victim arrived on campus. The shooting didn’t happen campus.
Officials also said that this shooting is not related to a hoax bomb threat at the school last week, but couldn’t elaborate on how they determined that.
Ogden Police investigate after a fatal shooting on Tuesday. (Stuart Johnson, KSL TV)
“The information that we have developed so far in the last couple of hours tells us there is no connection,” Scott said.
Extracurricular activities at Ben Lomond High were canceled.
The Ogden School District said it would continue to provide more information to parents and families.
The district released the following statement Tuesday night:
Dear Ben Lomond High School Families,
We are deeply saddened to share an update following today’s tragic events in our community. As previously reported, at approximately 2:45 p.m., the victim of a shooting that occurred in the area of 5th Street and Gramercy Ave. came to the Ben Lomond High School campus seeking help. The Ogden Police school resource officer and school staff provided first aid while waiting for emergency medical responders. This incident did not take place on school property and occurred after students had already been released for the day at 2:35 p.m.
It is important to note that this incident is not connected in any way to the hoax bomb threat that occurred last Thursday.
We have since received confirmation that the victim, who was a Ben Lomond High School student, has passed away as a result of their injuries. Out of respect for the victim and their family, and because this remains an active police investigation, we are unable to share additional details at this time.
Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, and all who are grieving this devastating loss. We mourn together as a school community.
Law enforcement has verified that there was never an active threat to students or staff on our campus. Ben Lomond High School remains a safe and supportive place for all students.
We understand that this loss will deeply affect many members of our school community. Counselors and trained support professionals will be available on campus tomorrow and throughout the week to provide confidential support for any student or staff member who may need to talk. Please do not hesitate to reach out if your student would benefit from additional emotional support during this difficult time.
Thank you for your care, compassion, and respect for the privacy of the student’s family as we navigate this tragedy together.
Velden Wardle,
Principal, Ben Lomond High School
Luke Rasmussen
Superintendent, Ogden School District”
Sean O’Connor lives at the corner of 5th Street and Gramercy Avenue. That’s where police said the victim was shot.
He said a couple of his family members were home when the shooting happened.
“They heard several rounds of bullets going off,” he said. “Terrified. They came up immediately to see what was going on, see if they could see anything. By the time they got upstairs from our basement, they could not see anybody. Cars or anything.”
O’Connor told KSL he could see 22 bullet markers outside of his house. Police had the area blocked off for hours.
With no suspect in custody, police said they need the public’s help. They’re looking for doorbell camera footage or witness accounts
“If you’re talking to your children tonight and that they may have information or cell phone video, we’d be grateful to have that to move our investigation forward,” Scott said.
O’Connor said today was frightening for his daughter, who’s school, Highland Junior High, was one of the few campuses put into a secure status after the shooting.
“Sometimes they’re drills, sometimes they’re not,” he said. “When it’s real life, real time is terrifying. That very, very much scares them.”
He was disheartened to hear the 16-year-old died.
“Life is too short and unfortunately, this boy’s got cut way too short for whatever reasons, and it is scary, O’Connor said.
Investigators couldn’t say if this shooting is gang-related.
Scott was asked about a vehicle that was taken off of Ben Lomond High School property.
“We’re at the preliminary stages and we can’t give that information at this time because of looking for a suspect,” he said.
This story is breaking and will be updated.
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