Grief hangs heavy over Austin as three families begin the unimaginable task of planning funerals instead of futures after the mass shooting at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden. The incident left 3 people dead, including two college students, and over 14 others nursing injuries. Online reports have since identified the deceased as Savitha Shan, Ryder Harrington, and Jorge Pederson.
For Shan’s family, the pain is sharpened by how close she was to a major academic milestone. The 21-year-old senior at the University of Texas in Austin was preparing to graduate this May with dual degrees in economics and management information systems. Friends say she had already secured a position with a major firm and was eager to begin the next chapter of her life. According to reports, faculty members describe her as a focused, high-achieving student and a “light in the classroom”.
Harrington’s loved ones are remembering a 19-year-old whose presence lit up any room. The Austin native was enrolled at Texas Tech University, where he was building friendships and carving out his future. He was affiliated with the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and was described as a kind young man.
Pederson, 30, is known for his competitive spirit and was active in the mixed martial arts community. Originally from Minnesota, he had built a reputation in the sport for his resilience. Pederson sustained severe injuries during the shooting and had to be rushed to the hospital. He was placed on life support, but he died when he was later taken off.
Reports say the shooting began shortly before 2 a.m. outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden. Authorities say a gunman, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, opened fire into a crowd. When officers in the area responded to 119 calls, there was a confrontation with the shooter, and he was killed by police.
Police reported that the incident was likely an act of terrorism, given the Iranian flag Diagne was wearing on his clothing. His garments also had a design reading “Property of Allah”.
