Heartbreaking Montana massacre obits reveal ‘profound emptiness’ after 8 killed: ‘Their lives mattered’
Heartbreaking obituaries have been left for the victims of last month’s mass shooting in Montana that left eight members of the same family dead.
The victims of the Aug. 23 shooting near Billings have been named as:
- Great-grandmother Evelyn Smith, 92
- son Dana Smith, 73
- Dana’s wife Barbara Smith, 72
- Evelyn’s granddaughter Megan Ireland-Ghekiere, 39
- Landon Ghekiere, 15
- Owen Ireland, 13
- Charlotte Ghekiere, 12
- Chloe Ireland, 7
“In her final moments, Charlotte’s bravery was evident as she made a call that likely saved the lives of first responders, if not her family,” reads the obituary for the youngest victim, describing her harrowing 911 call.
“Charlotte’s genuine curiosity about the world was unlimited and she was unapologetically herself. She asked questions thoughtfully and fearlessly and stood firm in her beliefs while also remaining selfless and incredibly sensitive to the needs of those around her,” it continued.
“Her passing leaves a profound emptiness.”
Charlotte’s brother Landon was described as “thoughtful, affectionate, sarcastic, witty, and intelligent,” in his obituary.
“He was eagerly looking forward to starting his sophomore year of high school and was particularly excited about obtaining his driver’s license and passport this month,” it continued, adding that his life was “heartbreakingly cut short as he heroically protected his little sister.”
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Megan was “a wonderful mom who found the perfect balance between being fun, loving and a guiding presence for her children,” her obituary read.
“Owen and Chloe were the center of her world, and she loved them with everything she had,” it continued.
“Their lives mattered, their love mattered, and the space they leave behind will never be filled.”
Dana and Barbara’s deaths were mourned by those who knew them at Laramie High School, where the pair had just attended their 55th reunion in July.
“Thank you Billings for honoring our Laramie H.S. Class of 1971 friends Dana & Barb (Aker) Smith and their family,” read a post on a local Laramie Facebook group.
“Many of us were honoring them with you from afar. Laramie is experiencing the same disbelief and grief as Billings. Barb & Dana (with their grandkids Owen and Chloe) were just here in Laramie in July, creating memories at their 55th H.S. reunion,” the tribute continued.
Over a week later, Billings is still struggling to come to terms with the scale of the tragedy, which police say was carried out by Barbara and Dana’s 44-year-old son Alan Smith, who shot up his family before setting fire to the house and shooting himself in the head in the backyard.
A community fundraiser has been set up by local radio DJ Justin Hutchinson to support the family, with a week of events planned between Sept. 28 and Oct. 4.
“This all started out of my desire to keep things organized for the family and for the community,” Hutchinson told the Billings Gazette.
“Billings is a helpful town. I’ve noticed it in many fundraising endeavors I’ve participated in. This event is no different. Everyone always wants to be part of the good in our community. Having a fundraiser night for these families just comes naturally to so many,” he added.
