Columbine Survivor Anne Marie Hochhalter Passes Away at 44

WESTMINSTER, Colo. — Anne Marie Hochhalter, a survivor of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting, passed away Sunday at the age of 44. Hochhalter, who was critically injured during the attack, lived a life marked by resilience and advocacy for others in the disability community.

Hochhalter was only 17 years old when she was shot in the back and chest while having lunch in the school cafeteria. The shooting left her paralyzed and among the most severely injured of the 20 people harmed in the attack that claimed 13 lives.

According to reports, her death is believed to be related to complications stemming from her prior injuries. Sue Townsend, close friend and stepmother of another Columbine victim, reflected on Hochhalter’s indomitable spirit. “She was fiercely independent… I’d watch her pull herself back up,” Townsend said, noting Hochhalter’s efforts to support others with disabilities.

Throughout her life, Hochhalter exemplified resilience, developing strong bonds within the community affected by the tragedy. In the wake of her injuries, she focused on creating a fulfilling life. She fostered dogs and enjoyed music, mastering several instruments, including the clarinet, harp, piano, and guitar.

“She never wanted to be called a victim,” Townsend continued. “She considered herself a survivor.” In 2016, Hochhalter even wrote a letter to Sue Klebold, the mother of one of the shooters, expressing forgiveness and understanding, despite her own struggles with pain and trauma.

Hochhalter’s advocacy extended beyond her personal journey; she also sought to provide solace to victims of other mass violence incidents. During a vigil for the Aurora theater shooting survivors in 2012, she stated, “Trying to figure out the shooters’ motives is a waste of time.”

Her brother Nathan Hochhalter remembered her as a dedicated student with a passion for learning. “She was always a straight ‘A’ student who loved reading,” he recalled, emphasizing his sister’s love for animals and her unyielding spirit.

In recent social media posts, Hochhalter spoke about her experiences 24 and 25 years after the Columbine tragedy, reflecting on her journey toward healing. “I’ve truly been able to heal my soul since that awful day in 1999,” she wrote last year.

Frank DeAngelis, the principal at Columbine during the shooting, called Hochhalter “a pillar of strength for so many,” celebrating her impact on the community and her courage throughout her life.

Anne Marie Hochhalter is survived by her brother Nathan and a loving circle of friends who have cherished her memory and remarkable spirit.