The family of Savitha Shan, a 21-year-old student at the University of Texas at Austin, has publicly identified her as one of the victims killed in the mass shooting that took place early Sunday morning on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin.
In a statement released Tuesday, Savitha Shan’s parents expressed “profound grief and immeasurable sorrow” over the loss of their only child.
They described her as a bright, compassionate and driven young woman whose future was filled with promise.
Shan was enrolled at the McCombs School of Business and had recently secured an opportunity to begin her career with a major consulting firm.
Savitha Shan was one of three people killed in the attack. Authorities have identified the other two victims as Ryder Harrington, 19, a student at Texas Tech University and member of the Fall 2024 pledge class of Beta Theta Pi, and Jorge Pederson, 30, a small business owner and mixed martial arts fighter who had recently moved to Austin from Minnesota.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis confirmed that Jorge Pederson had initially been hospitalized in critical condition before succumbing to his injuries.
Harrington and Shan were pronounced dead earlier in the investigation.
The suspect in the shooting was identified by the Austin Police Department as Ndiaga Diagne, 53.
Police stated that Diagne was shot and killed by responding officers at the scene. Federal authorities, including the FBI, are assisting in the investigation.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Dorn of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office previously stated that investigators are examining potential motives, including whether there was any nexus to terrorism.
Savitha Shan’s family extended gratitude to first responders, medical personnel, University of Texas administrators and members of the Austin community for their support during this difficult time.
They indicated that funeral services honoring her life will be held privately.
The deaths of Savitha Shan, Ryder Harrington and Jorge Pederson have left families, universities and communities across Texas and Minnesota in mourning, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
