Columbine victim's 2025 death ruled a homicide after injuries from school shooting contributed to sepsis

A woman who was partially paralyzed during the 1999 mass shooting at Columbine High School died last month, and her death has now been ruled a homicide.

Anne Marie Hochhalter died of sepsis on Feb. 16 at 43 years old. Complications from her paralysis contributed significantly to her death, according to an autopsy report from the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday.

Hochhalter was one of 23 people who were injured in the shooting at the Littleton, Colorado, high school, but survived.

Including her death, the Columbine shooting claimed 14 victims as 12 students and one teacher were killed the day of the April 20, 1999, attack. Both of the shooters, who were students, took their own lives.

 

Hochhalter’s own mother died by suicide six months after Columbine. She said her mother struggled with depression and did not believe the shootings were directly to blame for the tragedy.

After her mother’s death, she became very close to the Townsend family, whose daughter, Lauren, was killed in the Columbine shooting. 

“She brought a light to our lives that will shine for a long time,” said Sue Townsend, the stepmother of Lauren.

Columbine school shooting survivor Anne Marie Hochhalter (right) talks with Sue Townsend, the stepmother of shooting victim Lauren Townsend, during a 25th Year Remembrance ceremony on April 19, 2024.

Columbine school shooting survivor Anne Marie Hochhalter (right) talks with Sue Townsend, the stepmother of shooting victim Lauren Townsend, during a 25th Year Remembrance ceremony on April 19, 2024. (Marc Piscotty/Getty Images)

Following a vigil last year marking the 25th anniversary of the shooting, Hochhalter said she was flooded with happy memories from her childhood and she wanted the victims to be remembered for how they lived, not how they died.

“I’ve truly been able to heal my soul since that awful day in 1999,” she wrote in a social media post.

You May Also Like
Shock gas price hike revealed as oil markets are rocked by Trump's Iran strikes - and it's set to get even worse

Surprise increase in gas prices due to Trump’s actions in Iran causes turmoil in oil markets – and the situation may worsen

Gas prices at the pump are expected to rise a further five…
JD Vance gives no-nonsense warning to Iran if they try to attack the US

JD Vance issues straightforward caution to Iran regarding potential US attack

Vice President JD Vance issued a no-nonsense warning to Iran if the…
Will There Be a ‘The Last of Us’ Season 3?

Release Date of ‘The Last of Us’ Season 3

Sunday nights were previously reserved for HBO’s The Last of Us. During…
Chicago crime: Jalen Vales sentenced to 25 years in 2022 shooting of police officer on West Taylor Street on Near West Side

Chicago Crime Update: Jalen Vales Receives 25-Year Sentence for 2022 Shooting of Police Officer in Near West Side

CHICAGO (WLS) — A convicted felon has been sentenced in a July…
A full breakdown of Operation Midnight Hammer, the 'largest B-2 operational strike in US history'

Comprehensive overview of Operation Midnight Hammer, the biggest B-2 operational attack in the history of the United States

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The Pentagon shared information…
Chicago shootings this weekend: At least 23 shot, 2 fatally, in gun violence across city, police department says

Gun violence in Chicago over the weekend results in 23 shootings, 2 fatal, police report.

CHICAGO (WLS) — At least 23 people have been shot, two fatally,…
Jackie Jesko's new documentary explores Barbara Walters' groundbreaking career and the personal cost of her rise 

Jackie Jesko’s latest film delves into the pioneering work of Barbara Walters and the sacrifices she made to achieve success.

“Barbara Walters Tell Me Everything,” a documentary directed by Jackie Jesko, delves…
Fighter jet headfake: U.S. sent B-2 bomber flights West as DECOY ahead of bombing Iran

USA Used B-2 Bombers as a Distraction before Attacking Iran

The recent attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities by the U.S. military were…
Dozens attend downtown Chicago protest at Federal Plaza against US strikes on Iran by Donald Trump administration

Crowds gather in downtown Chicago to protest against US airstrikes on Iran by Donald Trump administration

CHICAGO (WLS) — ABC7 observed a group of around 24 individuals gathering…
Armed gunman shot dead after opening fire at Sunday church service

Gunman with weapon was killed after shooting at church gathering on Sunday

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! One person was injured…
Jennifer Garner shares an intimate moment with boyfriend John Miller as he sweetly supports her running event

Jennifer Garner’s boyfriend John Miller lovingly accompanies her during a running event, creating a special moment together

Jennifer Garner and her boyfriend John Miller were the ultimate cute couple…
NBA Finals 2025: After back-and-forth series, it's time for Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers to decide title in Game 7

“Thrilling NBA Finals 2025: Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers Set to Clash in Decisive Game 7”

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault knows exactly why…