Columbine victim's 2025 death ruled a homicide after injuries from school shooting contributed to sepsis
Share and Follow

A woman who was partially paralyzed during the 1999 mass shooting at Columbine High School died last month, and her death has now been ruled a homicide.

Anne Marie Hochhalter died of sepsis on Feb. 16 at 43 years old. Complications from her paralysis contributed significantly to her death, according to an autopsy report from the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday.

Hochhalter was one of 23 people who were injured in the shooting at the Littleton, Colorado, high school, but survived.

Including her death, the Columbine shooting claimed 14 victims as 12 students and one teacher were killed the day of the April 20, 1999, attack. Both of the shooters, who were students, took their own lives.

 

Hochhalter’s own mother died by suicide six months after Columbine. She said her mother struggled with depression and did not believe the shootings were directly to blame for the tragedy.

After her mother’s death, she became very close to the Townsend family, whose daughter, Lauren, was killed in the Columbine shooting. 

“She brought a light to our lives that will shine for a long time,” said Sue Townsend, the stepmother of Lauren.

Columbine school shooting survivor Anne Marie Hochhalter (right) talks with Sue Townsend, the stepmother of shooting victim Lauren Townsend, during a 25th Year Remembrance ceremony on April 19, 2024.

Columbine school shooting survivor Anne Marie Hochhalter (right) talks with Sue Townsend, the stepmother of shooting victim Lauren Townsend, during a 25th Year Remembrance ceremony on April 19, 2024. (Marc Piscotty/Getty Images)

Following a vigil last year marking the 25th anniversary of the shooting, Hochhalter said she was flooded with happy memories from her childhood and she wanted the victims to be remembered for how they lived, not how they died.

“I’ve truly been able to heal my soul since that awful day in 1999,” she wrote in a social media post.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Florida snow 2026: Here are photos, videos capturing snowfall across the panhandle

Rare Snowfall in Florida’s Panhandle: Stunning Photos and Videos from 2026 Event

Experience the stunning visuals of snowfall from Sunday, January 18, 2026. FLORIDA,…
National Popcorn Day: Here’s where moviegoers can find popcorn deals

Celebrate National Popcorn Day with Exclusive Movie Theatre Deals and Discounts

Movie theater giants like AMC, Regal, and Cinemark are gearing up to…
Toyota's EV that runs on hydrogen FLOPS as lawsuit alleges defects

Toyota’s Hydrogen-Powered EV Faces Major Setback Amidst Defect Allegations

Sales of Toyota’s hydrogen-powered electric vehicle are experiencing a sharp decline as…
Minnesota National Guard 'on standby' ahead of weekend protests

DOJ Pledges Legal Action Following Activists’ Disruption at Minnesota Church Led by ICE Official Pastor

A video capturing a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul reveals…
They're the picture perfect family. But this photo hides a dark truth

Unveiling Hidden Secrets: The Untold Story Behind the Picture-Perfect Family

The images capture an idyllic scene: a charming man and a cheerful…
Will There Be A Season 3 of ‘Landman’ on Paramount+?

Landman Season 3: What Fans Can Expect and Latest Updates on Its Paramount+ Future

The curtain has officially fallen on the second season of Paramount+’s runaway…
Fans claim college football is RUINED as QB says he graduated in 2024

College Football Controversy: Fans Outraged Over Quarterback’s 2024 Graduation Claim

The term ‘student athlete’ took on a new dimension on Sunday when…
Braves' Ha-seong Kim to miss at least 4 months after falling on ice in injury crusher

Braves’ Star Ha-seong Kim Faces Lengthy Recovery After Shocking Ice Slip Injury

The Atlanta Braves face a significant setback as they prepare for the…