DENVER (KDVR) The family of one of the students hurt in the shooting at Evergreen High School last week is sharing his story, and some words from his friends about the heroic actions he took to help others in the way of danger.

In a video shared by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, Matthew Silverstone’s uncle, Kris Koehler, said that he is telling his nephew’s story on behalf of their family with hopes to let the community and world know the “great, kind, gentle kid that Matthew is.”

“Matthew is not only my nephew, but he’s now my hero,” Koehler said.

As of Wednesday, a week after the shooting and eight days after his 18th birthday, Silverstone remains in hospital care in critical but stable condition. Koehler said that he is fighting for his life, and according to a statement from the family, doctors said that he will likely need lifelong, full-time care.

“Every day we have glimmers of hope, we take every little baby step in the right direction and celebrate it,” Koehler said. “It’s great when he will squeeze a hand, but at the same time, it’s so painful to see that anyone — especially a kid, but anyone — would have to endure that.”

Koehler said that Silverstone was very close to his mom, who adopted him and his two siblings from foster care. He was six months old and had endured “a lot of abuse,” Koehler said.

“He grew into this just wonderful, kind, gentle human being. To know that history, to know that that’s the start he had, makes all of this just a bit even more unfair,” Koehler said. “No one deserves this, no one, but given that history, especially Matthew.”

Silverstone’s mom has not left the side of his hospital bed from the start for fear that if something were to happen, “she wants to be right there,” Koehler said.

Matthew is described as an ordinary teenage boy who loves to eat, spend time with friends and hang out at the skate park until he is told to go home. Koehler said that he has absorbed kindness and gentleness from his mom and sisters.

Friends send letters thanking Silverstone for heroism

The shooting happened during lunchtime, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said this resulted in chaos with many students running in an effort to flee from danger.

Several of Silverstone’s friends have sent letters, many of which talk about his gentleness, kindness and lovingness, Keohler said. Some told stories of his actions during the shooting, thanking him for his heroic acts.

“I was in the building with all this, and I heard from many about how you were telling people to get away when they were coming back from lunch. I knew many of these people and I cannot thank you enough for getting them out of there. You’re truly a hero, and such a kind person, so please get better soon,” one letter read.

“Thank you for your quick thinking and action during our emergency. So many of us owe our safety to you. It is truly an honor to be your classmate. You deserve the world and more. I’m so sorry that you have to go through this. No one deserves to have this happen to them. Stay strong, we are all rooting for you!” Another letter read.

Uncle asks for support with long road to recovery ahead

Koehler said one of the things that has been overwhelming in a positive way is the outpouring of support from the community.

He said it is going to be a long road to recovery, and the family is coming to grips with what could potentially become a lifelong recovery that comes with added needs and burdens on Silverstone’s mother.

“No family should have to ask for help in a scenario like this, but unfortunately, it’s our new reality. Matthew is still fighting, my sister is going to do everything she can to help him in that fight,” Koehler said. “As a single mother of three, she is the rock of our family. It’s now our turn to get as much support for her as we can.”

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to gather funds to go toward Silverstone’s healing and recovery. According to the fundraiser page, he faces multiple surgeries and a long road of recovery. All donations will go directly to a medical trust created by the family.

The family released the following statement:

We are overwhelmed by the amazing outpouring of love and support we have received from family, friends, the Evergreen community, and most amazingly, Matthew’s fellow students. Against all odds, Matthew has survived and remains in critical condition. The cards, notes, meals, phone calls, prayers, and messages we are receiving lift our spirits as we deal with this tragic new reality.
All of us are heartbroken by what happened, but we are also deeply grateful that Matthew survived. Doctors have let us know that Matthew will likely require lifelong, full-time care. Matthew’s mother, Paige, is a single parent who will now need to become his primary caregiver. We anticipate Matthew and Paige will be faced with many critical needs including extraordinary medical expenses, making accessibility modifications at home, acquiring specialized equipment, accessible transportation, and all of these will require financial support.
To help meet these needs, our family has launched a GoFundMe campaign. The community’s support – whether through donations, prayers, or simply sharing this fundraiser – means everything to us. While we never thought we would need to ask for help, we must rely on the strength of neighbors, friends, and caring community members to help us through this life-altering tragedy.

Two students were injured in the shooting, but the sheriff’s office said that the other victim’s family has asked for privacy during this time.

Those who wish to help the students and community impacted by the shooting can do so by donating to the Colorado Healing Fund.