A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the small town of Byron, Wyoming, where a mother shot her four daughters before turning the gun on herself. Now, 7-year-old Olivia Blackmer is the only survivor, fighting for her life in a Utah hospital.
Olivia and her 9-year-old sister, Brailey, were inseparable. They spent time between two homes—living with their dad and stepmom, Quinn and Katelynn Blackmer, along with their baby half-brother in Utah, and staying with their mom, stepdad, and two toddler-aged half-sisters in Wyoming.
“They were just giggly and cute, and… they always held hands,” shared Denise Beatty, a close family friend.
The tragic incident happened last Monday afternoon at the family’s home in Byron, Wyoming. Authorities say the girls’ 32-year-old mother shot all four of her daughters before taking her own life. Sadly, Brailey and the two younger sisters did not survive. Olivia was rushed to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, where doctors are doing everything they can to save her.
“They have her heavily sedated. Essentially, the bullet went through from one side of her head to the other,” explained Korbin Goulding, Quinn Blackmer’s brother-in-law.
Doctors are carefully watching the swelling in Olivia’s brain, and her condition changes by the minute. But despite everything, her stepmother, Katelynn, says they are seeing small signs of Olivia’s fighting spirit shining through.
The family, devastated by their loss, is leaning on their faith and the support of loved ones. As they try to cope, they find comfort in believing that Brailey is watching over Olivia from above.
“Brailey is her little angel up in heaven looking over Olivia, and she’s watching over her while she’s fighting for her life,” Beatty said.
The community has come together, offering prayers, love, and support for Olivia and her grieving family as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy.
