The 7-year-old girl who was shot in the head by her mother during a tragic murder-suicide that also took the lives of her sisters has passed away after a five-day battle in the hospital.
Olivia Blackmer succumbed to her injuries at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City on Saturday afternoon, as shared by her stepmother in a heartbreaking update on the GoFundMe campaign established for Olivia’s medical expenses.
“Olivia is with her sisters now,” Katelynn Beatty wrote in a post on the fundraiser’s page on Sunday. “She gained her angel wings yesterday at 3:44 pm.”
“She fought so hard up until the last minute! Her body and her brain had been through too much, medication helped but we reached a point where medical options were exhausted and her body only continued to deteriorate,” Beatty added.
“She kept fighting through it all though until her heart stopped. We are grateful she hung on as long as she did so we could get some valuable time with our sweet baby girl in the last five days.”
Olivia was shot by her mother, Tranyelle Harshman, at their home in Byron, Wyoming, on February 10, in a devastating murder-suicide incident where her mother also took the lives of her 9-year-old sister Brailey and her 2-year-old twin stepsisters Brooke and Jordan before ending her own life.
The 7-year-old was flown to Utah Children’s Hospital and underwent emergency brain surgery, remaining heavily sedated until her passing.
“We want to thank each and every one of you for your prayers and support for our family. We are in a rough spot with the tragic passing of both daughters. We took time as a family to grieve and be in the moment before letting the world know but wanted to let you all know as we are thankful for all that you have done,” Beatty expressed.
“Olivia and Brailey know how loved they were by all of us! This is going to be extremely hard, please keep our family in your prayers as we figure out how to grieve this horrific tragedy day to day.”
Olivia and Brailey’s father, Quinn Blackmer, also shared the news of her passing on Facebook on Sunday and expressed gratitude for the support received for Olivia.
“The peace I find is knowing that my babies don’t have to be apart from each other and they can also be with their other sisters,” he wrote.
“I hate that I even have to post this part. Please do not click on any links that random people post as they have nothing to do with us and could potentially be malicious.”
The family is currently making arrangements for Olivia’s funeral.
Harshman, who was battling mental health issues including postpartum depression and PTSD, called 911 to inform the authorities of her children’s bodies before taking her own life. When discovered by officers, she was still alive but later passed away in a hospital.
The siblings split their time between Byron, Wyoming, with their mother and stepfather, and Utah, with their father and stepmother.
Olivia and her sister Brailey shared a close bond, according to a family friend.
Cliff Harshman, the grieving father of Brooke and Jordan, expressed his profound sorrow and anger at the tragic loss in an interview, describing it as beyond comprehension.
“I’m so angry. I don’t even know how to explain this to you. I’m so angry with her for the decision that was made,” the heartbroken father shared.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
