Five-year-old Rhoam Summer was full of energy, curiosity and a special kind of kindness that his family says made him unforgettable. He loved climbing, running, reading and surrounding himself with stuffed animals, especially colorful sea creatures, sharks and dinosaurs.
Now, as the community of Bend, Oregon, mourns the young boy following the October 15 tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary School, his family is sharing memories of the child behind the headlines — a fearless little climber who believed every stuffed animal deserved to be rescued and cared for.
Rhoam was the youngest of three children who lost their lives in the incident, alongside 25-year-old special education teacher Megan Lambert. Their loss has deeply affected families, school staff and residents throughout the community.
A Little Boy With A Big Imagination
Rhoam’s aunt, Swan Sheridan, remembered him as an energetic and happy child who was always ready to explore the world around him.
According to Sheridan, her nephew loved climbing and jumping off just about anything. He was also an exceptionally fast runner, even when he was very young.
She described him as a little ball of energy from the moment he was born, recalling a child whose enthusiasm seemed to follow him wherever he went.
But Rhoam’s adventurous personality was matched by a gentle affection for his toys.
His stuffed animals were more than playthings. Sheridan explained that he believed each one needed to be rescued and cared for, giving them a special place in his imaginative world.
That simple detail has become one of the most memorable parts of the family’s tribute. It offers a glimpse into the way Rhoam saw the world — with curiosity, compassion and an instinct to look after creatures he believed needed help.
Rainbow Sea Creatures Were Among His Favorites
Rhoam had a particular fondness for sharks, dinosaurs and other creatures that he considered misunderstood.
His aunt said he liked his stuffed sea animals to be in his favorite color: rainbow.
The detail has resonated with people learning about the young boy because it captures the individuality of his childhood. He had his own preferences, his own imagination and his own way of making ordinary objects feel special.
For Rhoam, even creatures that some people might find frightening or unusual could become beloved companions.
His affection for sharks and dinosaurs also reflected the kind of imaginative interests common in childhood, when toys can become friends and every new discovery can lead to another adventure.
Through these memories, his family has helped people understand more about the little boy whose life reached far beyond the brief descriptions that often accompany breaking news.
A Community Struggles To Process The Loss
The incident at Silver Rail Elementary School has left Bend facing a painful period of grief.
Three children and teacher Megan Lambert lost their lives, while another student and teacher Becky Drury were injured, according to authorities. Drury was hospitalized and received surgery for her injuries.
The school community has been left to navigate the emotional aftermath while trying to support the affected families.
Flowers, candles, balloons and stuffed animals appeared outside the school as residents gathered to remember those who were lost. Some visitors brought toys that reflected the kinds of things children might treasure, creating a memorial that spoke to the young lives at the center of the tragedy.
For parents whose children attend Silver Rail, the incident has brought a difficult mix of grief, concern and gratitude that their own families were spared.
Residents have also been trying to help children understand what happened and find ways to return to everyday routines while honoring their classmates and teacher.
Remembering Megan Lambert’s Commitment To Children
Megan Lambert, 25, was remembered by her family as a compassionate educator who cared deeply about her students.
She grew up in Bend, graduated from Boise State University in 2023 and had pursued her goal of working in education. Her family also described her enthusiasm for sports, particularly volleyball, and her work as a local coach.
In a statement shared with reporters, relatives said she had a big heart and consistently stood up for people who needed support, especially children with special needs. They also remembered her as someone whose personality could brighten a room.
Her commitment to children made her an important part of the school community, and her loss has added another layer of grief for families and colleagues.
As residents remember Lambert and the children who lost their lives, their stories are helping preserve the individual personalities and contributions that made each person special.
Investigators Continue Seeking Answers
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the October 15 incident.
Police identified the person responsible as 16-year-old Griffin J. John II, a former Silver Rail student. Officials have not established a definitive motive, and investigators have said that understanding why the incident occurred may take considerable time.
While the investigation continues, families are left to cope with their loss and the difficult questions that remain.
Community members have been offering practical assistance and emotional support, while memorial gatherings have given residents opportunities to remember those affected.
For Rhoam’s relatives, sharing memories of his personality and interests is one way to keep his individuality at the center of the story.
A Memory Of Kindness That Will Stay With His Family
Among the many details shared about Rhoam, his belief that every stuffed animal deserved care stands out as a reflection of how his family remembers him.
He was an energetic child who loved to climb, run and discover new things. He was also a boy who could look at a stuffed shark or dinosaur and imagine a creature that needed a little help.
His aunt’s memories have given the community a chance to see him not simply as the youngest child lost in a tragic event, but as a real little boy with favorite colors, treasured toys and a vivid imagination.
Those everyday details are often what families hold closest: the things a child loved, the habits that made them smile and the small moments that became part of family life.
As Bend continues to mourn, Rhoam’s story remains a reminder of the importance of remembering the people behind the headlines.
He will be remembered by his family as a fearless climber, a fast runner, a lover of books and a devoted friend to his colorful stuffed animals — a joyful five-year-old whose brief life left a lasting impression on those who knew him.