'I'm still alive!' 18-year-old Evergreen HS shooting victim released from hospital

DENVER (KDVR) — The second of two shooting victims in the Sept. 10 shooting at Evergreen High School has been released from the hospital, his family announced through the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday.

Matthew Silverstone, 18, was released from CommonSpirit St. Hospital. Anthony on Tuesday, a moment celebrated by more than 100 first responders and hospital staff who gathered at the hospital’s emergency entrance with blue balloons — the teen’s favorite color — to celebrate his release.

The family released a long statement through the Sheriff’s Office, saying they chose to keep Matthew’s location confidential and thanked the community for its continued concern and support for his recovery.

The family statement said: “Matthew is no longer in intensive care and is now focused on what will be a long road to rehabilitation. The fact that we are able to share this with you, just five weeks after the attack, is nothing short of a miracle.”

The family said Matthew was shot twice – once in the head and once in the chest. His family said his heart stopped at the scene of the accident and while he was in the ambulance on his way to the hospital, and doctors prepared the family for the worst after emergency surgeries. In September, the Silverstone family shared some of Matthew’s heroic actions during the shooting.

The family said: “But Matthew never gave up. He can now talk. In fact, he is happy to tell you: ‘I’m still alive!'” “He can walk with assistance. His friends will tell you his sense of humor has been restored. He has exceeded everyone’s expectations in his recovery.”

A 14-year-old student who confronted the shooter was also wounded in the shooting. Late last month, the 14-year-old’s family said he suffered gunshot wounds but saved the lives of several people inside the high school. He was still in hospital as of September 26, communicating only through writing.

The Silverstone family thanked the community for the love and support shown to Matthew, and described the events of September 10 as “vicious and tragic.”

“But in the days and weeks that followed, through every card and letter, every donation, every meal, gift and prayer, we saw the true heart of Evergreen and the kindness that defines Colorado,” the family said.

Paige Silverstone, Matthew’s mother, who remained at his bedside day and night during his recovery, also provided a statement.

“Your generosity has reminded us that we are not alone,” Paige said. “Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every prayer has lifted Matthew and each of us more than I can express. You have helped carry us through our darkest moments. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing with us, for believing in miracles, and for helping us hold on to hope.”

She also thanked the family:

• Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office: “From the deputies who first responded to the scene and saved Matthew’s life, to the victim advocate who continues to advocate for Matthew and our family, to the Public Information Office who has helped us share Matthew’s story, to the investigators who work tirelessly to seek justice for Matthew, and to the deputies who continue to monitor Matthew on a volunteer basis.”
• CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital
• “The other victim and her family, for the care and support they have given Matthew and our family in the midst of their pain.”
• Evergreen High School students, “who stood with Matthew and our family, even as they dealt with the trauma they experienced.”

The family said they continue to focus on helping Matthew recover.