Having lost a custody battle, he shot himself at his son's middle school
The Santa Monica father who shot himself on the lawn of John Adams Middle School on Saturday has been identified by friends and associates as Daniel Callahan. His son's mother wrote to us to say: "He was my son's father. He did not kill himself over custody. I am the mother."
A donation page has been set up for Callahan's family. It says:
Liam Callahan lost his father, Daniel Callahan, on June 23rd. We are hoping to support Liam in starting a nest egg for his future education, as well as other unforeseen expenses. Daniel was a devoted father and Liam meant the world to him. Daniel was a kind soul who was unable to fight his demons any longer. Please support and embrace Liam, hold him, his mom Maria and Daniel in your thoughts. Please do not be quick to judge others and what they might be going through, especially for the well being of their survivors.
No one else was injured. Superintendent Dr. Ben Drati wanted to reassure parents that this was an isolated incident, he said in a statement issued Saturday.
"We are devastated by this loss of a community member and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends," he said.
The school district will continue to work with local law enforcement officials and mental health professionals to address concerns students and families are dealing with, according to the statement.
The district provides resources on their website, and the office is available for support anytime, Drati said.
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