DENVER — Anne Marie Hochhalter, who sustained partial paralysis during the Columbine High School shooting and later found a path to forgiveness and healing, has passed away at 43 years of age.
Hochhalter was discovered deceased at her residence in the Denver suburbs on Sunday, with her family believing that her death was related to natural causes linked to the injuries she acquired from the tragic events of 1999, which resulted in the loss of 12 students and a teacher.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding her passing has been initiated and is being handled by the coroner’s office in Adams and Broomfield counties, the same office responsible for conducting autopsies of those killed in the Columbine tragedy.
Hochhalter was known for her profound perspective on life, exemplifying this in a letter she wrote in 2016 to the mother of one of the shooters. In her correspondence, she conveyed that “bitterness is like swallowing a poison pill” and extended her forgiveness to the woman. During the 25th anniversary vigil for the tragedy, which she attended last year after missing the 20th anniversary due to PTSD, she expressed a desire to honor the victims by remembering them for the lives they lived rather than the tragedy that befell them.
Over the course of the last 25 years, Hochhalter battled significant pain resulting from her gunshot injuries. Yet, her brother Nathan Hochhalter described her as relentless in her efforts to assist others, including those with disabilities, rescue dogs, and family members. “She positively impacted many lives. She was truly a caring individual and a wonderful sister,” Nathan remarked.
Hochhalter’s ordeal was compounded just six months after the shooting, when her mother, Carla Hochhalter, tragically took her own life in a pawnshop. Following her mother’s death, Anne Marie found solace and support from another family that had been affected by the Columbine shooting.
Sue Townsend, whose stepdaughter Lauren was one of the victims, reached out to Anne Marie in her time of need. Initially, Sue accompanied Hochhalter to medical appointments and physically supportive therapy sessions, but their connection quickly blossomed into deep friendship, leading to shared meals, shopping trips, and family vacations.
The Townsends affectionately referred to Anne Marie as their “acquired daughter.” During a memorable trip to Hawaii, Hochhalter, who used a wheelchair, experienced the joy of floating in a lagoon without pain, highlighting the beauty of their relationship amidst tragedy.
Townsend reflected on their bond, saying, “This relationship would never have come to be without Columbine, so I choose to focus on the gift Anne Marie brought us instead of dwelling on our loss.”
In 2016, Sue Klebold, the mother of one of the shooters, published a memoir discussing the motivations behind her son’s violent actions and advocating for better mental health awareness to prevent such incidents. Hochhalter expressed gratitude that proceeds from the book would support mental health causes, acknowledging her own mother’s struggles with depression while asserting that the tragedy wasn’t the direct cause of her mother’s suicide.
Hochhalter often reflected on the conflicts and regrets felt by both herself and Klebold, noting the importance of forgiveness. “A close friend once told me, ‘Bitterness is like swallowing a poison pill and expecting the other person to die,’” she shared in a message on Facebook. “I have chosen to forgive you and wish you only the best.” She also shared a photo of a supportive card sent by Sue and Tom Klebold during her hospital recovery after the shooting.
Last April, Hochhalter attended the 25th anniversary vigil alongside her brother, who had been trapped in a classroom during the horrific event. The previous vigil, five years prior, had been too overwhelming for her due to PTSD. In a reflective social media post, she shared, “Since that dreadful day in 1999, I have truly found ways to heal my soul.”
