WINDER, Ga. — Weeks after a tragic school shooting that took the lives of two teachers and two students, the football team from Apalachee High School received a glimmer of happiness and encouragement thanks to a major movie star.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson invited the team to visit him at a production soundstage in Atlanta, where he is filming a project.
Among those killed during the tragedy was one of the school's football coaches, Richard Aspinwall - also known as Coach A.
Below is a look at what Johnson wrote on his Instagram while sharing video and photos from the meeting:
I didn’t know what to expect when I walked in to meet them - I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY by their spirit and energy. I looked these kids in their eyes and hugged ‘em - I know they’re in great pain, but man are they resilient and staying strong.
It was as if they just needed a reason, an opportunity to just “let it all go” in this moment.
As we said goodbyes, the last kid I hugged said, “we needed this Rock”
(so did I)
I can’t begin to imagine what these players and all the students, teachers & staff of Apalachee High are going through right now, but I’m here in any and every way I can be - to give my support and love to them and their families as they begin their healing journey.
God bless you all.
We Are One Apalachee.
More on the Apalachee High School shooting
The shooting occurred on the morning of September 4 at Apalachee High School in Barrow County. The victims included two teachers, Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53, along with two students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14 years old.
Authorities are currently investigating how Gray obtained the automatic rifle used in the incident and how it was brought into the school.
In the wake of the tragedy, condolences have poured in from across the state and nation, including from Governor Brian Kemp and President Joe Biden, both of whom expressed their support for the victims' families and the community.
The Barrow County School District canceled classes and has been offering crisis counseling to affected students and staff, aiming to provide support and comfort in this time of grief.