Colorado high school shooting victim Claire Davis dies

NBC News

The 17-year-old senior who was in a coma after being shot point-blank at a Colorado high school last week died Saturday with her family at her side, hospital officials said.

Claire Esther Davis, a senior at Arapahoe High School in Centennial, Colo., was critically injured when student gunman Karl Halverson Pierson, 18, entered the school building armed with a shotgun and multiple rounds of ammunition.

In a statement posted on the Littleton Adventist Hospital's Facebook page, officials said Claire's injuries 'were too severe and the most advanced medical treatments could not prevent this tragic loss of life.'

'Claire's death is immensely heartbreaking for our entire community, our staff and our families,' the statement added.

Authorities said Pierson's attack lasted just 80 seconds. Officials believe the teen was angry after losing his coveted spot on the debate team.

'His intent was evil and his evil intent was to harm multiple individuals,' Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson said last week.

Upon entering the school, Robinson said, Pierson fired one round down the hallway. He then shot Claire, who just happened to be sitting nearby with a friend as he headed toward the library. Claire suffered severe head trauma, which put her in a coma.

Robinson said Claire was an innocent victim who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

According to hospital officials, Claire's family expressed their gratitude for the community's support.

'They know that you all are mourning with them, and again request privacy during this time of grief,' the statement read.