Adan Llanos has a large community mourning his death. The 11-year-old boy from California shot himself while attending Zoom class this week. He was a student at the Woodbridge Elementary School.
It was claimed that the child committed suicide, but according to his family, that is not the truth, and they are working hard to set the record straight.
According to local media, on Wednesday, Adan shot and killed himself at around 11 a.m. He had his microphone and camera off, and therefore, the horrific accident was not caught on video.
His sister, who was was taking part in a virtual class in another room, heard the loud gunshot and ran to his aid. She explained to the teacher and neighbor what had occurred, and they eventually called the police and paramedics.
The pre-teen was rushed to a nearby hospital where he died. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office did not say how Adan obtained the gun.
Cathy Nichols-Washer, superintendent of the Lodi Unified School District, said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to share that a student from Woodbridge Elementary School passed away today as a result of a gunshot wound. Counseling and bereavement support services are available to students and staff during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with the family affected by this terrible tragedy. We also offer our condolences to the Woodbridge Elementary community.”
Luis Llano, who is Adan’s uncle, took to Facebook to deny the suicide story.
He wrote: “He was a wonderful child full of life and joy. He was the most respectful and sweetest boy I’ve ever had the honor of calling my nephew! I ask of guys to please help our family in need if at least share the post! We ask of you all to please refrain from any speculation, and if you see any comments, politely ask them to only say positive things. He was not suicidal!”
He went on to say: “This young man was an angel that we had the privilege of knowing! We thank each and every one of you for your love and prayers; it is really needed.”
Luis’s wife, Stephanie, joined in to add: “We are asking if anyone sees any post or comments insinuating that this incident was suicide or that our nephew was depressed, please help us shut it down. This was a freak accident, and our nephew was a happy kid. Right now, seeing those comments is what is the most hurtful to the family, and I can use all the help I can get with this. Thank you.”
Woodbridge Elementary Principal Neil Young said this in a statement: “He was very loving. He always cared about others and always paid attention to when someone around him was feeling down. He was always looking to put a smile on people’s faces.”
Young continued: “It’s been hard on all of us. The staff has been dealing with our own grieving; the district had its mental health team conduct a live Zoom call with the class so the students could share their memories of him. And they did that not only for his class but for another class where all the students knew him as well.”
The family has not yet announced the date of Adan’s funeral.
