Georgia teacher David Phenix was in his classroom at Apalachee High School when he was struck by two bullets — but he said he’s “incredibly blessed.”
“The bullet that went into my side and the one that entered my foot managed to miss every vital ligament, tendon, bone, and organ. Had things been a quarter inch to the left or right, things could have been vastly different,” Phenix said in an emotional statement on Facebook.
“Physically, there are stitches, staples, and bandages to be removed and physical therapy to be endured,” Phenix said. “Mentally, will be just as challenging. I am sure trying to truly wrap my brain around what happened on September 4th will require just as much rehab.”
A medical helicopter is seen in front of Apalachee High School after a shooting at the school, Sept. 4, 2024, in Winder, Ga.
Mike Stewart/AP
Colt Gray, a 14-year-old student, is accused of killing four people and injuring nine others at Apalachee High School on Sept. 4.
Seven of the nine people who were hurt suffered gunshot wounds, including Phenix.
In his new statement on Facebook, Phenix expressed deep gratitude for those who took his “life in their hands” amid the “chaos.”
He thanked his co-teacher who he said “put pressure on my wound while, at same time, managing and calming a class of 23 scared, terrified, and panicked teenagers.”
He thanked the two 14-year-olds who he said filled in putting pressure on his wound while the co-teacher called for help. “You both are exceptional young people and have my everlasting gratitude,” he wrote.
Caution tape surrounds Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga., Sept. 4, 2024.
Christian Monterrosa/AFP via Getty Images
Phenix shouted out the first responders, law enforcement, nurses and doctors who stepped in that day, as well as his wife and two daughters for their emotional support.
He also expressed his appreciation to the community for their “outpouring of encouragement, support, love and compassion.”
As he recovers, Phenix said the “pangs of sorrow and grief for the families” of the two teachers and two students who were killed “stay at the forefront of everything.”
“Families were shattered and worlds were turned upside down,” he wrote. “Please continue to pray for each of these families.”
“The images, sights, sounds, and actions are immense and will be forever etched in my memory and will take weeks, months, and even years to process,” Phenix said. “Right now, my emotions are so much easier to describe than the justifications and reasons behind them. From anger to mourning to sadness to gratefulness to even feeling blessed to be able to sit here and write this post, processing the reasons behind September 4th will be a long road which will most likely, never be truly understood.”
Gray is charged with four counts of felony murder. More charges will be filed, prosecutors said.
The teen’s father, Colin Gray, is charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children, the GBI said. He is accused of knowingly allowing his son to possess the weapon used in the shooting, according to the GBI.
Neither has entered a plea.
A teacher at a Georgia high school is expressing gratitude to the individuals who helped during a chaotic situation where they were shot. The incident occurred last week when a student entered the school with a gun and opened fire, injuring several students and faculty members.
The teacher, who wishes to remain anonymous, was shot in the arm while trying to protect their students from the gunman. Despite the chaos and fear that ensued, several individuals stepped up to help in any way they could.
One of the first responders on the scene was a school security guard who quickly apprehended the shooter and prevented further harm. The teacher credits the guard for their quick thinking and bravery in a situation that could have been much worse.
Additionally, several students and faculty members came to the aid of the injured teacher, applying pressure to the wound and calling for help. Their quick actions helped to stabilize the teacher until emergency services arrived.
In a statement released by the teacher, they expressed their deep gratitude to everyone who helped during the chaotic situation. “I am incredibly grateful for the quick thinking and bravery of the school security guard, as well as the students and faculty members who came to my aid,” the teacher said. “Their actions saved my life, and I will forever be thankful for their courage and compassion.”
The incident has sparked a conversation about school safety and the importance of being prepared for emergencies. The teacher is now advocating for increased security measures and training for staff and students to ensure that everyone is equipped to handle similar situations in the future.
As the community continues to heal from the traumatic event, the teacher is focusing on their recovery and expressing gratitude for the support they have received. “I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from my colleagues, students, and the community,” the teacher said. “I am grateful to be alive and surrounded by such caring individuals.”
The teacher’s story serves as a reminder of the bravery and selflessness that can emerge in times of crisis. Their gratitude towards those who helped during the chaotic situation is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
