A tragic shooting incident unfolded in Austin’s bustling West Sixth Street entertainment district early Sunday morning, claiming the lives of three individuals and leaving 14 others injured, with several victims in critical condition. The Austin Police Department confirmed that the shooter was also killed by police during the chaotic event.
Among the deceased were Ryder Harrington and Savitha Shan, both students at Texas universities. The authorities indicated that one more victim was anticipated to be taken off life support on Monday.
Victims Remembered
Savitha Shan, a 21-year-old dual-degree student at the University of Texas at Austin, was remembered fondly by her peers. Having grown up in Austin, Shan was a proud alumna of Baranoff Elementary School and the Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) High School. UT President Jim Davis acknowledged her untimely death in a heartfelt email to the university community.
“Today, it was confirmed that among those who lost their lives is one UT student. A child of loving parents. A loyal friend to many. A Longhorn preparing to change the world. It is devastating, and I know all of us are grieved by this horrible news and we will remember her,” Davis expressed. He also mentioned that other UT Austin students were among the injured, some with serious conditions while others were on their way to recovery.
Ryder Harrington, a 19-year-old student at Texas Tech University, was also identified as a victim of the shooting. He was affiliated with the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, which shared a tribute on Instagram celebrating his life and character. The fraternity described Harrington as “a beloved son, brother, and friend whose kindness and presence touched countless lives.”
The post highlighted his infectious joy for life, stating, “Ryder had a rare ability to truly enjoy life, to make people laugh, to make moments feel bigger, and to make ordinary days unforgettable.”
Harrington’s siblings took to social media to pay their respects, with his brother Reed describing him as “the best mix” of their family traits. “Watching the man he had become, and seeing all the lives he touched, leaves me certain that this world was robbed of a great future,” he reflected.
Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows also shared his condolences on X, noting that Harrington was related to a member of his team. He called for prayers for the Harrington family, emphasizing the positive impact Ryder had on those around him.
In honor of Ryder Harrington, the Beta Theta Pi fraternity plans to hold a candlelight vigil on Monday at 8 p.m. at 1410 Orlando Ave. in Lubbock.
This situation is ongoing, and details continue to unfold.
