Struggling Mom Leaves Apology Note Before Tragically Taking Her Life and the Lives of Five Children
In a heart-wrenching case that has left the small community of Williamsburg, West Virginia, in shock, 25-year-old Oreanna Myers fatally shot her three children, two stepchildren, and then herself in an alleged murder-suicide. This tragic incident occurred on December 8, 2021, leaving behind a grieving family and a haunting reminder of the seriousness of mental health struggles. The story has since captured national attention, highlighting the devastating consequences of untreated mental illness and the desperate pleas for help that were tragically unanswered.
The events unfolded on Flynn’s Creek Road when authorities rushed to Myers’ home, only to find it engulfed in flames. As firefighters battled the blaze, police discovered Myers outside her burning home with a gunshot wound to her head. A gun was found next to her body. While Myers was found outside, her children were not immediately located. It wasn’t until after the flames were extinguished that the remains of the five children were found inside the house.
The heartbreaking discovery sent shockwaves through the community as the gravity of the tragedy began to unfold.
In the wake of the disaster, police uncovered several letters taped to a vehicle, one of which was addressed to “Whomever Finds This First.” The note, penned by Myers, contained a chilling confession: "This is no one’s fault but my own.
My demons won over me, and there is no going back. So sorry I wasn’t strong enough." The letter served as a somber admission that Myers had succumbed to her mental health struggles, a battle she felt she could no longer fight.
Another note, which has since shaken many who have heard its message, read, "Mental health is serious. I hope somebody will help others like me. Mental health is not to joke about or take lightly. When someone begs, pleads, cries out for help, please help them." These words, written by a mother who felt there was no escape from her torment, now serve as a haunting reminder of the importance of mental health care and support.
In the hours leading up to the tragedy, Myers had picked up two of her children, Shaun and Kian, from the school bus. Less than an hour later, a neighbor called 911 to report that her house was on fire. According to the police investigation, Myers had already fatally shot her children and set the house ablaze before turning the gun on herself. The fire consumed the home, leaving nothing but ashes in its wake.
In a disturbing detail shared by Greenbrier County Sheriff Bruce Sloan during a press conference, Myers was wearing a coat with a hood and had drawn a red line across her face from ear to ear. The symbolism behind this chilling act remains unknown, but it adds an eerie layer to an already devastating case.
Text messages exchanged between Myers and her husband, Brian Bumgarner, in the days leading up to the incident revealed the depth of her mental anguish.
Bumgarner, who was staying with his father at the time of the tragedy, received a final message from Myers that read, "I left something for you on the driver’s side floorboard. I am so sorry. I am not strong enough, Brian." It was the final plea of a mother whose struggle with mental illness had pushed her to the breaking point.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the community came together to remember the innocent lives lost. Shaun, Riley, Aarikyle, and Haiken were lovingly referred to as “Team Shark” in their obituary, a nickname that highlighted their closeness as brothers and their love for adventure.
Shaun, a second-grader, dreamed of becoming an astronaut, while Riley, who was in kindergarten, loved football and learning to play the piano. Aarikyle was described as a sneaky, playful child who adored superheroes, and baby Haiken was the youngest, spoiled by his older siblings and known for driving his toy cars with delight.
At the press conference, Sheriff Sloan emphasized the importance of mental health, urging those who are struggling not to be afraid to seek help.
“Mental health is serious,” he reiterated, echoing Myers' own words in her tragic letters. The sheriff’s call to action serves as a crucial reminder that reaching out for help can save lives, and no one should feel ashamed or afraid to ask for assistance.
The devastating case of Oreanna Myers and her children serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of untreated mental illness. While the investigation has concluded, the emotional scars left on the community—and the nation—will linger for years to come.
It is now up to us as a society to ensure that those who cry out for help are heard and supported. What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking case? Share your views, and let’s work together to raise awareness of mental health issues before it’s too late.
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