The victims of the Wisconsin school shooting have been named as teacher Erin West and student Ruby Vergara
Tributes were paid to the two victims who died in the Abundant Life Christian School shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday, named as 42-year-old teacher Erin M. West and 14-year-old student Ruby B. Vergara.
The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed their identities in a news release Wednesday night, while the school said in a separate statement that “our hearts are heavy with these losses.”
The suspected shooter, 15-year-old Natalie Rubenau, a new student at the school also known as Samantha, died on her way to the hospital Monday from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds, police said.
“ALCS is a better school for Erin West’s work. She brings her love of Jesus and love of people to our staff and school family wrapped in a hug and a smile,” the school said in its statement.
West worked as a substitute teacher for three years before taking on a full-time position as an in-home substitute teacher and coordinator, “a role tailored to her wealth of skills and breadth of knowledge,” she said.
You have served our teachers and students with grace, humor, wisdom, and most importantly, the love of Jesus. Her loss is painful and profound, and she will be greatly missed not only among our staff, but also among the entire ALCS family, the statement added.
Ruby Vergara, a ninth-grader who has been at the school since kindergarten, was described as popular and an enthusiastic volunteer.
“Her kind, loving and kind heart was reflected in her smile. Ruby was a blessing to her classroom and to our school. “Not only was she a good friend, she was a great big sister,” the teacher said.
“She was often seen with a book in her hand, and she had a gift for art and music. However, it was Ruby’s love for Jesus that shone through most clearly, and she shared his love with others by faithfully volunteering. She will be greatly missed by her teachers and fellow students,” he added.
Online obituary uploaded to A Local funeral home website Vergara said she loves art, singing and playing keyboard in her family’s worship band. “She had a special relationship with her beloved pets, Ginger (the cat) and Coco (the dog),” the obituary said.

The funeral home said Mass for Vergara will be held at 11 a.m. EDT (12 a.m. ET) on Saturday and It was broadcast live online.
Police investigations are continuing. The authorities said On Wednesday night, the two unidentified students who sustained life-threatening injuries remained in hospital, while the four people treated at hospital were released with minor injuries.
Police said the shooter opened fire in a second-floor classroom “during a study hall for co-ed students.”
Police said two guns were found at the school, only one of which was used in the shooting.
Police said they are working to determine the motive, and are aware of the suspect’s alleged activity on social media and “documents and photos circulating on the Internet,” which have not yet been verified.
Investigators want to speak to anyone who may have interacted with Rupnow in the days or weeks leading up to the shooting — they can contact police anonymously through Madison Area Crime Stoppers at p3tips.com or by calling 608-266-6014.