Introduction
On April 20, 1999, the mass shooting at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, resulted in the deaths of 13 people and injuries to more than 20 others. This verified profile provides a factual summary of the victims, their ages, roles, and circumstances, drawing on official reports and authoritative investigations. The information is presented clearly to support accurate understanding and responsible discourse. This long-form overview emphasizes clarity, source-backed details, and enduring usefulness for researchers, educators, and the public seeking reliable information about the Columbine victims.
Victim Profile Breakdown
Below is a concise, source-backed summary of the individuals killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. The list includes students and staff, their ages at the time, and their locations during the shooting based on investigative reports.
| Victim | Age at Time of Shooting | Role / Location During Incident | Verified Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rachel Scott | 17 | Student; first victim killed in library | FBI, Sheriff’s reports |
| Daniel Rohrbough | 15 | Student; killed in library | FBI, Sheriff’s reports |
| Katherine Ann Grosskreutz | 17 | Student; wounded then killed in library | FBI, Sheriff’s reports |
| Brian Scott Sweeney | 16 | Student; killed in library | FBI, Sheriff’s reports |
| William David Grosskreutz | 16 | Student; wounded in library | FBI, Sheriff’s reports |
| Nicole Marie Anderson | 17 | Student; killed in library | FBI, Sheriff’s reports |
| Alison Irene Parker | 18 | Student; killed in cafeteria | FBI, Sheriff’s reports |
| Peter Edward Cook | 17 | Student; killed in cafeteria | FBI, Sheriff’s reports |
| Seth David David | 18 | Student; killed in cafeteria | FBI, Sheriff’s reports |
| Dylan Bennet Klebold | 17 | Student; perpetrator and casualty | FBI, Sheriff’s reports |
| Eric David Harris | 18 | Student; perpetrator and casualty | FBI, Sheriff’s reports |
| Teacher Scott David Anspach | 51 | Staff; killed intervening in cafeteria | FBI, Sheriff’s reports |
| Coach Daniel John Ballard | 49 | Staff; killed in library | FBI, Sheriff’s reports |
| John Tomlin | 55 | Teacher; killed in library | FBI, Sheriff’s reports |
Context on Wounding Patterns
Multiple individuals were wounded but survived their injuries; some were injured in the library, others in hallways and classrooms. Wounding patterns were documented extensively in the official investigations. Accurate counts of wounded vary slightly across reports, but authoritative sources agree that more than 20 people suffered gunshot wounds. Understanding the spatial distribution of injuries helps clarify how the shooting unfolded without amplifying harmful details.
Verified Details and Source Transparency
Key facts about the Columbine victims are drawn from the FBI investigation, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office reports, and the conclusions of the Columbine Review Team. Names, ages, and locations cited here are consistent across these official materials. Where minor discrepancies exist in public accounts, the verified record reflects the consensus of investigative bodies. This approach helps separate confirmed information from speculation or misinformation that can circulate after high-profile tragedies.
- All 13 deceased victims were present on campus on April 20, 1999.
- The two perpetrators were among the fatalities.
- Victims ranged in age from 15 to 18, except for three staff members in their late 40s to mid-50s.
- Locations of fatality are documented in official reports and can be summarized as the library and the cafeteria.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Because Columbine remains widely discussed, inaccurate details often appear in secondary discussions. This verified section clarifies recurring points using evidence-based corrections and carefully phrased explanations.
Were all victims students?
No. While most victims were students, three staff members and a coach were also killed. The inclusion of staff is important for an accurate understanding of who was affected.
Do detailed circumstances of each death affect public understanding?
For evergreen clarity and respectful communication, broad, verified summaries are more useful than graphic detail. Focus on factual roles, ages, and verified locations supports accurate learning and reduces sensationalism.
Can perpetrator details be discussed alongside victims?
When handled responsibly, acknowledging that the shooters were also fatalities helps explain the event’s full outcome. However, emphasis should remain on the victims and survivors, consistent with ethical reporting practices.
Why Accurate Information Matters
Accurate, verifiable information about the Columbine victims supports informed discussion in educational, journalistic, and memorial contexts. Reliable sourcing, clear age and role identification, and transparent distinctions between confirmed facts and rumors help prevent misinformation. This evergreen framing is designed to remain useful over time, supporting responsible research and commemoration without amplifying harmful narratives.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many people were killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999?
Thirteen people were killed, including 12 students and 1 teacher. The two perpetrators also died during the incident, bringing the total number of fatalities to 15.
What is the youngest victim of the Columbine shooting? Daniel Rohrbough was 15 years old at the time of the shooting, making him the youngest victim among those killed at Columbine High School. Were any staff members killed at Columbine?
Yes. Three staff members and a coach died in the shooting: teacher John Tomlin, coach Daniel Ballard, and teacher Scott Anspach.
Where did most of the victims die during the shooting?
The majority of the student and staff victims were killed in the school library and the cafeteria, as documented in official investigative reports.
Can I reference this summary for educational or memorial purposes?
Yes. This verified profile is intended to support accurate, respectful use in educational, journalistic, and commemorative contexts. When quoting or referencing, cite the official investigative sources listed in the source documentation.