Franklin, Tennessee – A tragic incident unfolded in Franklin, Tennessee, as 18-year-old Lily Basil, a recent high school graduate, lost her life in an accidental shooting by another 18-year-old, Matthew Roufail. Roufail mistakenly believed that his AR-15 style rifle was unloaded when the fatal shot was discharged.
Shortly after the shooting, Basil was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center with a gunshot wound to her right shoulder, where she tragically passed away. As the community grieves the loss of a bright young individual, her school, Page High, has initiated grief counseling sessions for students to cope with the heartbreaking news.
Roufail, charged with criminal homicide, was released on a $150,000 bond, maintaining that the shooting was unintentional. The incident occurred as the two teenagers were in possession of the firearm, retrieved from a vehicle trunk. The devastating circumstances surrounding Basil’s untimely death have left those who knew her mourning the loss of a vibrant and kind-hearted individual.
Page High School principal Dr. Katie Hill expressed her condolences, describing Basil as a beacon of light in the school community. The school plans to honor her memory through various gestures, including candle-lighting ceremonies and displaying porch lights in remembrance of the young life lost.
Friends and loved ones have taken to social media to pay tribute to Basil, reminiscing on cherished memories and highlighting the impact she had on their lives. The heartbreaking loss has deeply affected those who knew her, emphasizing the need for support and unity during this difficult time.
As the community grapples with the tragedy, the memory of Lily Basil will be cherished and honored, ensuring that her spirit lives on through the love and remembrance of those whose lives she touched. The incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of coming together in times of grief.