BEND, Ore. -- The law firms Dwyer Williams & Cherkoss, Simon Greenstone & Panatier, and Worthington & Caron announced Monday that they have been retained by the parents of Rhoam Summer to preserve and protect Rhoam’s memory and investigate possible legal claims arising from the last Thursday's mass school shooting at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend.

Here's the rest of the news release from the attorneys, and a statement issued by the parents about the loss of their son:

October 15, 2026, will be remembered as Bend’s worst day in its proud history. On a sunny afternoon under blue skies, a lone gunman attacked Silver Rail Elementary. The gunman, a teenager who once attended the school, was able to enter the school and slaughter a teacher and three children, including Rhoam Summer, a vivacious 5-year-old kindergartner. The assailant’s assault put another teacher and student in critical care, created fear and panic in the school, and cast a pall of despair over an entire community.

Rhoam Summer is the youngest person ever killed in a school shooting in the United States.

The Summers’ legal team will launch an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this horrific event. The team’s primary objectives are to discover the truth, determine accountability, and pursue justice on behalf of Kelik and Lillian Summer, the parents of Rhoam.

"We are stunned that such a heinous assault has happened in our peaceful community,” said Bend attorney and co-counsel Tim Williams. "Senseless, barbaric and depraved? Yes. But was it foreseeable and thus preventable? That’s what we will find out. While law enforcement handles the criminal prosecution, we will be investigating any systemic failures that may have allowed this tragedy to happen. We are committed to holding all responsible parties accountable to ensure a tragedy like this never happens again and justice is done in Rhoam’s name."

The investigation will examine several critical factors.

• Were adequate security protocols in place and enforced?

• Was there an active shooter protocol at the school, and if so, was it performed as it should have been?

• Were there prior warnings, from this shooter or others?

• Where was the weapon purchased and how was it marketed?

• How was the underage shooter allowed to gain access to the weapon, and then the school?

The three firms have established a dedicated, secure portal and support line for survivors, witnesses, and family members seeking legal guidance or wishing to share information relevant to the investigation.

The Summer family has asked that their beautiful boy be remembered for his smile, joy, and playful spirit. Please click here for their tribute to Rhoam.

To respect the privacy of the entire Summer family, and allow them to grieve, please direct all media inquiries, interview requests, and statements regarding the legal strategy to Tim Williams, 541.617.0555. The public can also email tips to info@worthingtoncaron.com.

A TRIBUTE FROM KELIK AND LILLIAN SUMMER

FROM THE PARENTS

We understand that this tragedy doesn’t stop with us and the community wants to know about the loss of our beautiful boy, Rhoam.

Rhoam was so so strong. The day he was born, his father gave him his first sink bath at the hospital. In the sink, Rhoam grabbed his dad’s hands and pulled himself up with his own strength. He climbed a ladder (3 step stool) when he was just 6 months old. He never stopped moving. He never stopped climbing. He could do anything.

He was also so kind. Any time there were guests in our home, he would pull out cups to get everyone drinks or make sure everyone had a snack or make sure everyone had a stuffy to cuddle. He wanted to share everything he had. His heart knew no limits and it grew with him every single day. We were so proud of who he was and who he was growing to be.

He loved to dance. He loved to help. He wanted to bring the brightest light into the world. He was so hard on himself when he knew he stumbled. We could not have hoped for a more wonderful child and everyone in his family, found family, and friend circle could not wait to see how he grew.

He loved rainbows and unicorns from a very young age. He loved sharks and dinosaurs. He cooked meals with his parents, cuddled at every opportunity, and sang to himself when he was upset. He told the sweetest, most amazing stories and was learning to give each character their own voice.

He was 5 years old. He wanted to go to the pumpkin patch, learn to ride horses, learn to play an instrument, and be a bunny for Halloween.

If people want to memorialize our little Rhoam, we request you draw. Sharks, dinosaurs, monsters... Rhoam loved to tell stories of creatures with big teeth who needed understanding and friendship. Please make art for him. Draw or paint. Use your hands if you can. Get messy. Rhoam was not a child art prodigy, but he had the purest heart and he put love into every scribble, splash or paint, or smashed leaf he tried to shape.

We will love you forever, Rhoam.