The uncle of an 11-year-old California boy who tragically shot and killed himself during an online Zoom class said the child was not suicidal.
The child was identified as Adan Llanos, who was attending his virtual sixth grade class at Woodbridge Elementary School in San Joaquin County when he turned the gun on himself with the camera and microphone turned off.
His sister, who was online learning in another room, found him and told a neighbor and her teacher, who called for help.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene shortly after 11am after receiving several calls reporting that a person has been shot.
On Wednesday California 11-year-old Adan Llanos died after he shot himself during his online sixth grade Zoom class while his microphone and camera were off
A view of deputies parked near the shooting site in Woodbridge in San Joaquin County, California above
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene shortly after 11am after receiving several calls reporting that a person has been shot
Deputies responded to the home where the children were learning, on the 300 block of Sterling Street in Woodbridge, and found the child with a head injury.
He was rushed to a hospital and died from his self-inflicted injuries. The sheriff’s office said the boy’s family was at his side at the hospital before he passed away.
Luis Llano, who identified himself as Adan’s uncle, denied claims that the boy had committed suicide in a Facebook tribute.
He said that Adan was not suicidal but did not offer further details about what might have happened.
‘It is with a heavy heart that we inform everyone that on December 2 my nephew; Adan Manuel Llanos, has passed and is in heaven,’ the tribute read.
‘He was a wonderful child full of life and joy. He was the most respectful and sweetest boy I’ve ever had the honor of calling my nephew! I ask of guys to please help our family in need, if at least share the post! We ask of you all to please refrain from any speculation and if you see any comments politely ask them to only say positive things.
‘He was not suicidal! This young man was an angel that we had the privilege of knowing!’
An uncle of Adan posted on Facebook that he was a ‘wonderful child full of life and joy’, adding ‘He was not suicidal!’
Another relative of Adan’s announced that a Memorial Fund Account had been created for the Llanos family by community members of Lodi and Woodbridge.
‘Our thoughts are with the family and all those affected by this tragic event,’ the Sheriff’s Office said on their Facebook page.
Deputies are still investigating the details of the shooting. It’s not clear whose gun he was using in the incident.
A GoFundMe page set up by Adan’s aunt has been started to help with funeral expenses.
Adan pictured with his mother in this social media photo
A GoFundMe page set up by Adan’s aunt has been started to help with funeral expenses
Neighbors reported hearing the young child’s sister run out of the house screaming for help.
The children were alone in the house at the time.
‘The sister come here, banging on the door,’ one neighbor who called for help said to KCRA.
‘That little boy was one the nicest little boys you’ll ever want to know. He was special. Easygoing. He was the type of person who would never hurt anybody. Soft-spoken, with a beautiful smile,’ the neighbor added.
An uncle of Adan posted on Facebook that he was a ‘wonderful child full of life and joy.’ He said that Adan was not suicidal but did not offer further details about what might have happened.
The Lodi Unified School District released a statement following the incident saying: ‘We are deeply saddened to share that a student from Woodbridge Elementary School passed away today as a result of a gunshot wound’
A view of Woodbridge Elementary School above
The Lodi Unified School District released a statement following the incident saying: ‘We are deeply saddened to share that a student from Woodbridge Elementary School passed away today as a result of a gunshot wound.’
‘Our thoughts are with the family affected by this terrible tragedy. We also offer our condolences to the Woodbridge Elementary community,’ the district added, offering counseling and bereavement support services to students and staff.
Woodbridge Elementary School started the 2020-21 school year with all students learning from home.
Currently California is under a colored tier system for reopening and San Joaquin County is in the most restrictive purple tier as of November 24.
According to California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, students must learn remotely under the purple tier. In-person classrooms are allowed once the county has remained in the Red Tier for two consecutive weeks.
According to Paul Warren, the support director at Woodbridge Elementary, he’s seen an increase in anxious and depressed students with remote learning and the pandemic, which leaves students unable to socialize with their peers.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the national suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or you can chat online here.