2024 Abundant Life Christian School Shooting

On December 16, 2024, the ALCS community was shaken by an unthinkable tragedy. A 15-year-old student, Natalie Rupnow, opened fire on campus, taking the lives of a beloved teacher, Erin West, and a promising young student, Rubi Vergara. Six others were injured in the incident. Rupnow died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In their grief, the ALCS family turned to their faith for strength, finding comfort in their shared belief in God’s presence even in the darkest moments. As Christmas approached, the school and church community clung to messages of hope, healing, and resilience. With the support of one another, they took careful steps toward recovery, reopening their doors to students on January 16, 2025—less than a month after the tragedy.

Despite the sorrow that has touched ALCS, its mission remains steadfast. The school is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and continues to offer students opportunities for academic, athletic, and spiritual development. Through programs like basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, track & field, and volleyball, the Challengers—proudly wearing their red, white, and black—stand as a symbol of perseverance and unity.

Victims

Erin Michelle West, age 42, of DeForest, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024. She was born on September 10, 1982, in St. Charles, Mo., the daughter of Larry and Teresa (Fischer) Etherton.

Erin graduated from Harrison High School in 2000 and went on to graduate from Kennesaw State University in 2005. She married Jack West on May 21, 2005, in Powder Springs, Ga. Erin worked as a teacher for Abundant Life Christian School for four years. She was a member of Doxa Church in Madison, Wis.

Erin enjoyed family camping trips, attending school sporting events, serving at Doxa Church, and spending time with her daughters and the rest of her family.

Erin is survived by her husband, Jack; three daughters, Emery, Laurel and Adleigh; parents, Teresa and Larry; sister, Jennifer (Glenn) Bruce

Rubi Patricia Vergara, age 14, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 16, 2024. She was born on March 17, 2010, in Madison, the daughter of Vicente and Jennifer (Remus) Vergara.

Rubi was a freshman at Abundant Life Christian School. She was an avid reader, loved art, singing and playing keyboard in the family worship band. She shared a special bond with her beloved pets, Ginger (cat) and Coco (dog).

Rubi will be deeply missed by her parents, Vicente and Jennifer; brother, Adrian Vergara; maternal grandparents, Carl and Pat Remus; paternal grandmother, Margarita Vergara; uncles, Andy (Stacy) Remus, Brian (Heidi) Remus, Juan, Humberto, and Abraham F. Vergara; aunts, Rosario, Cecilia and Lidia Margarita (Erick Mancilla) F. Vergara; other cousins, relatives and many friends.