In a recent development affecting the count of casualties from the tragic 1999 Columbine High School shooting, Anne Marie Hochhalter’s death has been ruled a homicide, bringing the total fatalities to 14. Hochhalter, who was partially paralyzed during the horrific event, passed away on February 16 due to sepsis, an infection-related complication. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office reported that her paralysis significantly contributed to her death. Hochhalter was 43 years old.
At the time of her passing, those close to her suspected the cause was natural, linked to the injuries inflicted during the shooting, which initially claimed the lives of 12 students and one teacher. The two perpetrators also took their own lives. Given the connection between her paralysis and her death, the case was moved to the office responsible for reviewing the original Columbine shooting deaths.
Throughout the years after the incident, Hochhalter faced intense pain from the wounds she sustained. Despite these challenges, she was resolute in confronting her medical complications and maintained a positive outlook, her family and friends recounted. Her dedication extended beyond her struggles as she tirelessly worked to support others, especially those with disabilities, as well as her loved ones. Her affection for dogs was also well noted among those who knew her.
Notably, Hochhalter made the conscious decision to forgive, as evidenced in a letter she wrote in 2016 to Sue Klebold, the mother of one of the gunmen. In the letter, she quoted a friend who said, “Bitterness is like swallowing a poison pill and expecting the other person to die.” Hochhalter expressed that harboring resentment only harms oneself. She stated, “I have forgiven you and only wish you the best,” highlighting her remarkable ability to move beyond her tragic past.
