Rhoam Summer had only just begun kindergarten at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon. He was five years old, full of energy and curiosity, with so much of life still waiting for him.
His family remembers a little boy who saw the world differently. Rhoam loved rainbows, dinosaurs, sharks and stuffed animals. According to his aunt, he especially loved rescuing stuffed animals that needed extra care. Even creatures like sharks and dinosaurs appealed to him because he believed they were misunderstood.
That small detail says so much about the child he was: a boy who seemed to find something worth loving in things others might overlook.
Rhoam was adventurous, too. He loved climbing, running, riding his scooter and spending time with his grandfather. Their time together was filled with books, gardening, playful moments and the big hugs that made ordinary days feel special.
Those are the memories his family now holds close.
On October 15, 2026, Rhoam was among three children who lost their lives in the śh́óóting at Silver Rail Elementary School. A 25-year-old teacher, Megan Lambert, also died. The tᩚraɢedy has left families, classmates and the wider Bend community grieving.
Rhoam’s parents, Kelik and Lillian Summer, have shared memories of their son and encouraged people to honor him through art. They have asked people to draw sharks, dinosaurs and imaginative creatures in his memory.
It is a simple request, but a meaningful one: remember the things that brought Rhoam joy, and the kindness that made him special.
No words can ease the pain of losing a child so young. But his story deserves to include more than the circumstances of his pᴀssing. It should also include his imagination, his adventurous spirit and the love he gave to the people around him.
Rhoam Summer was five. He loved rainbows, rescued stuffed animals and believed misunderstood creatures deserved kindness. May those who remember him carry that kindness forward.
SOURCE: https://www.opb.org/article/2026/10/19/parents-of-rhoam-summer-share-memories-of-5-year-old-killed-in-bend-śh́óóting/
