PRESS RELEASE

DESERT HILLS HIGH SCHOOL - 11/17/2008 - 9:00 am 

The Washington County School District is conducting an investigation into a shooting involving a male student Saturday evening at Desert Hills High School.

15 year old Tucker Thayer, of Saint George, died Saturday night of complications resulting from the discharge of a pistol that was being used as a prop in the school musical, Oklahoma.

Washington County School District is troubled about the accessibility and use of an operable firearm on school property.  The District's ultimate concern is for the safety and education of our children.  An investigation is underway in this case. The District will carefully consider our policies and procedures that apply in light of this tragic situation and take appropriate administrative action to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

School will be held today at Desert Hills High School. The Washington County School District Crisis Intervention Team (a group of specially trained counselors) will be on site to help students and staff deal with emotional issues related to this tragedy.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. 

NEWS UPDATE - 11/17/2008 - 2:00 pm

As a result of our preliminary investigation it is our understanding that a parent and student approached the Desert Hills High School Drama instructor and offered to make available a "blank gun" for the production "Oklahoma."  The drama instructor then approached the administration and the school resource officer asking if they could use the blank gun in the production as an off-stage sound effect.  Permission was given under the following conditions:

1.  The parent brought the blank gun to and from the school.
2.  The blank gun would never leave the parent's possession.
3.  Only the parent would discharge the blank gun during the production.
4.  At no time would a student be in possession of the blank gun.
5.  The parent would take the blank gun home each night after the production.

At this time we do not know how the gun came into the possession of the student.  It is still under investigation by the St. George Police Department and the Washington County School District.

Any further questions regarding this situation may be referred to Craig Hammer, Executive Director for Secondary Education, at 673-3553 ext 210.