This is Kendrick Castillo. He was born on March 14, 2001, in Denver, Colorado, USA. He was a senior at STEM School Highlands Ranch, just days away from graduation.
On a normal Tuesday afternoon, Kendrick was in his British literature class watching The Princess Bride. Suddenly, an 18-year-old named Devon Erickson walked in with a gun and told everyone, “Don’t move.”
Kendrick was sitting close to Devon, and without thinking twice, he jumped up and charged at the shooter to stop him. After Kendrick was shot, three other students also rushed at the gunman, trying to stop him while the rest of the class escaped. One of them, Brendan Bialy, checked on Kendrick after they brought Devon down. Sadly, Kendrick wasn’t moving. Other students tried to stop the bleeding, pressing on his wound, but it was too late.
“He cared so much about people that he would do something like that,” said his father, John Castillo. “I wish he had run and hidden, but that wasn’t who he was. He always wanted to help and protect others.”
“Kendrick Castillo died a legend. He died a trooper,” Brendan Bialy said. “I know I’ll carry his memory for the rest of my life.”
“Be selfless. That’s what my son was. And it got him killed, but he saved others,” John Castillo said.
“I know that because of what he did, others are alive, and I thank God for that. I love him. He is a hero, and he always will be.”
In a moment of fear and chaos, Kendrick didn’t hesitate. He risked his own life to save his classmates. Sadly, he didn’t survive. But if he hadn’t jumped in, who knows how many more lives would have been lost?
Kendrick Castillo (2001–2019).
You are remembered and honored as a hero by millions around the world. Rest in peace.
Credit – original owner ( respect 🫡)