14-Year-Old Victim of Wisconsin School Shooting Remembered for Sharing Passion for Music and Art, Friends Reflect

Rubi Patricia Vergara was a gifted young teen known for creating handmade gifts and showcasing her musical abilities, as family friends shared during the funeral services held on Saturday morning.

At just 14 years old, Vergara was a student at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, where her life was tragically cut short by a shooting incident involving a fellow student on Monday. Teacher Erin West, aged 42, was also a victim of this tragic event.

“She had a serene and gentle nature, always caring for those around her,” said Tom Flaherty, lead pastor of City Church. “Rubi also possessed a faith that was remarkable for her age.”

Vergara’s memorial took place at City Church, located next to the school. The funeral for West is scheduled for Monday at Doxa Church in Madison, as noted in her obituary.

As of Saturday, two additional students who were injured in the incident are still hospitalized in critical but stable condition, according to UW Hospital.

A family friend, Dawn Moris, highlighted Vergara’s compassion and empathy, recalling how she created personalized birthday cards for loved ones using digital art and origami, and had recently taken up crocheting. Moris displayed a small crocheted smiley face potato made by Vergara to the attendees.

“She brought a blend of care and creativity to all her endeavors,” Moris reflected.

Vergara also played keyboard for a family worship band and had the ability to hear a song and reproduce it on the piano, according to Moris. With a voice often described as angelic, she excelled in harmonizing.

During the service, Vergara’s aunt performed her niece’s favorite song, “Shoulders” by for King & Country, on the guitar. Her uncle, Andy Remus, expressed gratitude to the Madison community for their support during the difficult past week.

The shooter, 15-year-old Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow, reportedly shot herself at the school and subsequently passed away at a Madison hospital. Authorities indicated she had been in communication with an individual in California who was allegedly planning an attack on a government building. The motives behind Rupnow’s actions remain a significant focus of the ongoing investigation.

By Isabella Volmert