MADISON, Wis. — Samy Garduno-Martinez, a survivor of last year’s shooting at Abundant Life Christian School, was released from American Family Children’s Hospital Wednesday.
UW Health Press Secretary Emily Greendonner confirmed his release to News 3 Now. Garduno-Martinez will continue his recovery at a dedicated facility in Chicago.
Garduno-Martinez was a student at Abundant Life Christian School when a 15-year-old opened fire on Dec. 16, 2024. Six people were hurt in the shooting and 14-year-old Rubi Patricia Vergara and 42-year-old Erin West were killed. The shooter took her own life at the school.
Almost a year later, Garduno-Martinez has experienced what his family described as miracles. Three days after being shot multiple times, including in the head, he awoke from a coma and a month later began talking. He was originally set to be released from the hospital in April, but developed encephalitis in March and was put into another coma…