A devastating update has emerged in the case of the 7-year-old girl who survived a horrific murder-suicide that took the lives of her three sisters and mother.
Olivia Blackmer, who was left fighting for her life after being shot by her mother, has tragically passed away.
A Heartbreaking Incident
The incident occurred at the family’s home in Wyoming, where Olivia’s mother, Tranyelle Harshman, shot her four daughters before fatally shooting herself.
Olivia’s older sister Brailey, 9, and her two-year-old siblings Brooke and Jordan, all died at the scene.
Olivia’s father, Quinn Blackmer, confirmed the news of her passing on Facebook, saying she had “gained her angel wings.”
A Family Torn Apart
The family had been split between Wyoming, where the girls lived with their mother and stepfather, and Utah, where they stayed with their father and stepmother.
Olivia’s father had been by her side throughout her hospitalization and had been keeping friends and family updated on her condition through social media.
Mental Health: A Factor in the Tragedy?
Harshman’s husband, Cliff Harshman, had spoken out about his wife’s struggles with severe mental health issues, including PTSD and post-partum depression.
He emphasized that his wife was not a monster, but rather a victim of her own struggles, saying, “Most people don’t understand how that affects the brain.
It’s a chemical imbalance… And it can be exacerbated by trying to fix it with medication.”
Support for Those in Need
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or is in crisis, please reach out for help. There are resources available, including:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
- Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au
- 13YARN: Speak to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter on 13 92 76 or visit 13yarn.org.au
A Community in Mourning
A GoFundMe page was launched to help cover Olivia’s medical bills, and it has raised over $175,000. The page remains active, and Olivia’s father has stated that he will continue to post updates.
The community is coming together to support the family during this difficult time, with many offering condolences and sharing messages of support.
A Scene That Will Haunt Those Who Witnessed It
Police described the scene at the family home as something “you don’t ever expect.”
Keri Angell, a deputy at the local Sheriff’s office, broke down in tears as she described witnessing the horrific sight, saying, “Seventeen years at the sheriff’s office and working crime scenes, and you don’t ever expect something like this.”