Math teacher named as victim of Georgia high shooting as witnesses describe horror of walking past ‘blood and bodies’

The first victim of the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School has been identified as a special education math teacher.

David Phenix survived the attack, but was rushed to hospital after being shot in the hip and foot, breaking his hip bone.

At least four people are believed to have been killed and 30 injured in the horrific attack on a high school in Georgia.

Police have not yet released any details about the shooter, warning that it could be “days” before information about the suspect’s age, gender or affiliation with the school is released.

Phenix’s daughter, Katie, said Wednesday that he arrived at the hospital “wide and awake” and was immediately taken to surgery.

“He just had surgery and is in stable condition,” she said.

“We will update as we hear new information. We are so, so happy, but please keep our family and the AHS family in your prayers.”

Phenix has been a teacher for 22 years. He had planned to retire in 2023, but was approached by Apalachee with the opportunity to take on a golf coaching role.

His wife said, “The day after he made his official decision, an opportunity came up to go to Appalachee High School as a golf coach. The timing was perfect and he said YES.

He was ‘retired’ for a total of three days!

“I’m glad we have to wait a little longer with our retirement travel plans. I’ve always loved watching you connect with the kids and make a difference.”

The news comes as CNN reports that four victims were fatally shot Wednesday morning.

A suspect has been arrested, but further details have not been released.

Gruesome details have emerged from inside classrooms, giving a picture of the terrifying chaos students were thrown into when gunfire rang out this morning.

Sergio Caldera, 17, said he was in his final year of chemistry when he heard gunshots.

He told ABC: ‘My teacher is going to open the door to see what’s going on.

“Another teacher runs in and tells her to close the door because there is an active shooter.”

Caldera said his class heard terrifying screams from outside as they “crowded together.”

Another 15-year-old child told Atlanta News First that his teacher immediately locked the door and his classmates went into lockdown when shots were fired Wednesday morning.

He said he was worried about his friends and classmates because the gunshots rang out close to where he was crouched.

Melanie, a student at Apalachee High School, said a “code red” message went off in her classroom and a red flashing light came on.

During exercises, the lights never came on, making her realize the ordeal was real and serious, she told local reporters.

Her classmates immediately ducked into a corner of the room, following orders from their teacher, who turned off the classroom lights.

Melanie said that many of her friends didn’t have cell phone reception, but she did, so she texted her own family first before her classmates texted their parents on her phone.

And 14-year-old Camille Nelms told WXIA the shooter entered her classroom.

“I cried. I didn’t want to die like that,” she said.

The terrified student said she texted her mother, saying, “I’m coming to get you.”

Her mother revealed that it was “chaos” when she arrived at the school, with a “huge” line of parents waiting to be reunited with their children. She said that when she heard Melanie’s voice and gave her a hug, she was so grateful to be alive.

Erin Clark received a text message from her son Ethan at 10:23 a.m. Wednesday morning informing him that there was a school shooting in progress.

He wrote: ‘School shooting rn (right now). I’m scared. I’m not joking.’

His mother responded immediately, assuring him she was leaving work. In a heartbreaking response, Ethan wrote, “I love you.”

“I love you too, honey. Where are you?” Clark said.

Ethan told her he was in class and added, “Someone’s dead.”