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Victim advocates, mental health help available to Colorado community after Evergreen High shooting

By Jennifer McRae

Updated on: September 11, 2025 / 10:56 AM MDT / CBS Colorado

Victim advocates, mental health professionals available after Evergreen High School shooting

Victim advocates and mental health professionals will be available to the Colorado community in the days after the shooting at Evergreen High School. Authorities said a male student, later identified as 16-year-old Desmond Holly, opened fire with a handgun on Wednesday at Evergreen High School, wounding two students, before he died from a self-inflicted gunshot.

EVERGREEN, CO- SEPTEMBER 10: An investigation continues into the shooting at Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Colo., on Sept. 10, 2025. RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

The mental health help will be available at the Resource Center at Bergen Meadow Elementary School on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Resource Center will also provide more information to students and parents about picking up vehicles and personal items from Evergreen High School. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office posted on social media that those who left their vehicles in the west lot can go to Bergen Meadow Elementary School on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with their own keys. They will be transported to the parking lot via bus and escorted to their vehicles. According to the sheriff's office, "Anyone who arrives at the school on their own will be turned away, they must go through the resource center and be transported via our bus."

Jeffco Public Schools said there will be no school on Thursday and Friday at Evergreen High School. School has been canceled on Thursday for all of the following schools in the Evergreen and Conifer areas:

Bergen Elementary School
Evergreen High School
Evergreen Middle School
Parmalee Elementary School
Wilmot Elementary School
Conifer High School
Elk Creek Elementary School
Marshdale Elementary School
West Jefferson Middle School

One student with non-life-threatening injuries was said to be no longer in the care of St. Anthony Hospital as of Wednesday evening, according to Dr. Brian Blackwood. Children's Hospital Colorado confirmed one student who was injured in the shooting was being treated at its Aurora location. One student remained in the hospital with critical injuries as of Thursday morning. The suspected gunman died from his injuries.

EVERGREEN, CO- SEPTEMBER 10: Students reunite with loved ones and classmates outside Bergen Meadow Elementary School after a shooting at Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Colo., on Sept. 10, 2025. RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

Denver Health mental health experts also shared some strategies on coping after trauma, particularly for younger individuals, and when to seek help.

Jennifer McRae

Jennifer McRae is a digital media producer for CBS Colorado with more than 25 years of experience in news. Jennifer is part of the digital team recognized for excellence for Best Website several times by the Colorado Broadcasters Association.