UVALDE, Texas — The family of an 11-year-old girl who survived Tuesday’s mass shooting at a southern Texas elementary school said the fourth grader played dead after the gunman entered her classroom.
Miah Cerillo was one of the students injured when an 18-year-old killed 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, her aunt, Blanca Rivera, of Houston, told KTRK-TV.
Rivera said Cerillo’s teacher, Irma Garcia, was one of two educators killed when Salvador Ramos opened fire, the television station reported.
Rivera said her niece “went into survival mode” when the gunman began shooting.
“Miah got some blood and put it on herself so she could pretend she was dead,” Rivera told KXAS-TV. “It’s too much for me to play that scene over and over again, but that’s what my sister-in-law said is that she saw her friend full of blood and she got blood and put it on herself.”
Rivera told KTRK that she did not know how her niece came up with the idea, but her actions most likely saved her life.
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“She did what she had to (do) to survive,” Rivera told the television station. “(She) pretended to be dead.”
Cerillo was injured but has since been released from an area hospital, KXAS reported.
“My brother said she had bullet fragments in her back,” Rivera told the television station.
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Rivera told KPRC-TV that Cerillo seemed to be handling the tragedy well until she got home on Tuesday night.
“Around midnight, my sister-in-law called me and she was just crying like, ‘I think it just hit Miah. I think everything came to reality. We’re home, and she’s just crying and having a panic attack,’” Rivera told the television station.
Rivera said her family plans to go to Uvalde in the next few weeks to visit their relatives.
”You don’t have to be a parent to feel the pain these parents are going through,” Rivera told KTRK. “It’s unimaginable what they went through, especially the smaller kids. They didn’t have to go through that.”
Photos: Meghan Markle, Uvalde residents pay tribute to Texas shooting victims Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, leaves flowers at a memorial site, Thursday, May 26, 2022, for the victims killed in this week's elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Meghan Markle, Uvalde residents pay tribute to Texas shooting victims Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, visits a memorial site with flowers, Thursday, May 26, 2022, to honor the victims killed in this week's elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Meghan Markle, Uvalde residents pay tribute to Texas shooting victims Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, visits a memorial site, Thursday, May 26, 2022, honoring the victims killed in Tuesday's elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. (Jae C. Hong/AP)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde memorial site Children pay their respects at a memorial site for the victims killed in this week's elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde memorial site A woman reacts as she pays her respects at a memorial site for the victims killed in this week's elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde memorial site Crosses with the names of Tuesday's shooting victims are placed outside Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde memorial site A child writes a message on a cross at a memorial site for the victims killed in this week's elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde memorial site Children pray and pay their respects at a memorial site for the victims killed in this week's elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde memorial site Prianna Ayala weeps as she is embraced at a memorial site for the victims killed in this week's elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde memorial site Mario Games, right, and his wife, Marisela and daughter Emily, react as they stand in front of a cross with the name of their niece, Nevaeh Bravo, at a memorial site for the victims killed in this week's elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde memorial site Mario Games, right, and his wife, Marisela and daughter Emily, react as they stand in front of a cross with the name of their niece, Nevaeh Bravo, at a memorial site for the victims killed in this week's elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde memorial site A child writes a message on a cross at a memorial site for the victims killed in this week's elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde memorial site A child leaves flowers at a memorial site for the victims killed in this week's elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde memorial site A girl writing a message on a cross is reflected in the water at a memorial site for the victims killed in this week's elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde memorial site People pay their respects at a memorial site for the victims killed in this week's elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde memorial site People gather at a memorial site to pay their respects for the victims killed in this week's elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde vigil Esmeralda Bravo, 63, sheds tears while holding a photo of her granddaughter, Nevaeh, one of the Robb Elementary School shooting victims, during a prayer vigil in Uvalde, Texas, Wednesday, May 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde vigil Two family members of one of the victims killed in Tuesday's shooting at Robb Elementary School comfort each other during a prayer vigil in Uvalde, Texas, Wednesday, May 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde vigil Family members of one of the victims killed in Tuesday's shooting at Robb Elementary School embrace each other after a prayer vigil in Uvalde, Texas, Wednesday, May 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde vigil Stormy Flores, 11, sits with a sign bearing the names of the Robb Elementary School shooting victims during a prayer vigil in Uvalde, Texas, Wednesday, May 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde vigil Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, far right, prays with a man during a prayer vigil in Uvalde, Texas, Wednesday, May 25, 2022. The vigil was held to honor the victims killed in Tuesday's shooting at Robb Elementary School. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde vigil A young girl listen to a message during a prayer vigil for the Robb Elementary School shooting victims in Uvalde, Texas, Wednesday, May 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde vigil Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, right, and Uvalde County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco pray during a prayer vigil in Uvalde, Texas, Wednesday, May 25, 2022. The vigil was held to honor the victims killed in Tuesday's shooting at Robb Elementary School. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde vigil Esmeralda Bravo, center, holds a photo of her granddaughter, Nevaeh, one of the Robb Elementary School shooting victims, as she is comforted by Nevaeh's cousin, Anayeli, during a prayer vigil in Uvalde, Texas, Wednesday, May 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde vigil Family members and relatives of Nevaeh Bravo, one of the Robb Elementary School shooting victims, attend a prayer vigil in Uvalde, Texas, Wednesday, May 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Photos: Texas school shooting victims remembered at Uvalde vigil People listen to a message during a prayer vigil for the Robb Elementary School shooting victims in Uvalde, Texas, Wednesday, May 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
What we know about the Uvalde, Texas shooting victim. Miranda Mathis was 11-years-old. Her and her brother both attended Robb Elementary School. Her brother was reported safe.
What we know about the Uvalde, Texas shooting victims. Maite had posed for honor roll photos prior to the shooting. A cousin confirmed the child's death on Facebook, calling Maite a "beautiful angel."
What we know about the Uvalde, Texas shooting victims. Makenna Lee Elford was 10-years-old. She was identified by her older sister as one of the children killed. In a tweet, her sister wrote, "My baby sister has finally been found in a classroom... All I ask is that you hug your loved ones tonight and tell them you love them, you never know when you won’t have the chance to anymore.”
What we know about the Uvalde, Texas shooting victims. Jayce Carmelo Luevanos was 10-years-old. Family remembered him on Twitter. "Rest in peace beautiful babies I will miss them so much. I still can’t believe we will never see them again, remember aunt, uncle and your cousin loves you so much. My heart is broken,” his family wrote.
What we know about the Uvalde, Texas shooting victims. Jailah Nicole Seguero was 11-years-old. She was in the same classroom as her cousin who was also killed. Her mother wrote on Facebook, "I’m so heartbroken my baby I love you so much mamas don’t ever forget that watch over me daddy and your sisters and big bro. Fly high baby girl.”
What we know about the Uvalde, Texas shooting victims. Ellie Garcia was 10-years-old. Her parents remembered her on Facebook. Her father said he had planned to DJ her birthday party. He said she was the happiest girl ever. Her mother wrote on Facebook, "My heart is shattered to pieces I love you baby girl. I will never stop thinking of you." A video shared on Twitter includes a video of Ellie on her birthday, sending her love to her dad. In the video, Ellie says, "When you get off work, I'll be here for you. I love you, dad."
What we know about the Uvalde, Texas victims, next. Alexandria Aniyah "Lexi" Rubio was 10-years-old. Her family members confirmed here death on social media. They described her as a "bright light in everyone's life." Lexi's mother described her as beautiful and smart. She said, "Alexandria Aniyah Rubio was recognized today for All-A honor roll. She also received the good citizen award. We told her we loved her and would pick her up after school. We had no idea this was goodbye."
What we know about the Uvalde, Texas shooting victims. Alithia Ramirez was 10-years-old. Her father told a local media outlet that his daughter loved to draw and wanted to be an artist. She had recently entered a submission to the "Doodle for Google" contest. Alithia had just turned 10 in April, and she was looking forward to summer vacation. The last day of school before Summer would have been Thursday, May 26.
What we know about the Uvalde, Texas shooting victims. Tess Mata was in the fourth grade. Tess' big sister confirmed she was shot and killed on social media. Her sister wrote, "My precious angel you are loved so deeply. In my eyes you are not a victim but a survivor. I love you always past forever baby sister, may your wings soar higher than you could ever dream.”
What we know about the Uvalde, Texas shooting victims. Nevaeh Bravo was 10-years-old. Her cousin confirmed the fourth grader's death. "Unfortunately my beautiful Neveah was one of many victims from today's tragedy ... Rest in peace my sweet girl, you didn't deserve this."
What we know about the Uvalde, Texas shooting victims Rogelio Torres was 10-years-old. His father confirmed to media outlets that he was killed. “Our entire family waited almost 12 hours since the shooting to find out Rogelio Torres, my 10-year-old nephew, was killed in this tragedy. We are devastated and heartbroken. (He) was a very intelligent, hard-working and helpful person. He will be missed and never forgotten," his aunt said.
What we know about the Uvalde, Texas shooting victims Jackie Cazares was 10-years-old. She was in the same classroom as her cousin, Annabell, when she was killed. Family members described the two girls as cousins, friends and classmates. "I hope you didn't feel any pain. I hope you know how loved you are," her sister wrote on Twitter.
What we know about the Uvalde, Texas shooting victims. Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez was 10-years-old. Her aunt confirmed the little girl's death to ABC News. She was in the third grade and was in the same classroom as her cousin, who was also killed.
What we know about the Uvalde, Texas shooting victims Eliahana Cruz Torres was 10-years-old. Her grandfather said she was a "beautiful young girl with a lot of energy." Eliahana was an avid softball player, and her aunt said she was looking forward to a softball game that had been scheduled for Wednesday.
What we know about the Uvalde, Texas shooting victims Layla Salazar was 10-years-old. She loved to swim and dance to Tiktok videos. Her father told the Washington Post they sang along to "Sweet Child O'Mine" by Guns N' Roses in the car on the way to school each morning.
What we know about the Uvalde, Texas shooting victims Irma Garcia was a teacher at Robb Elementary. It was confirmed through a GoFundMe site set up to raise funds for funeral expenses and family needs. Garcia was a wife and mother to four children. She died shielding students from gunfire.
What we know about the victims at Robb Elementary School Uziyah Garcia was 10-years-old. Uziyah was "full of life," according to an uncle, Mitch Renfro. He loved video games and anything with wheels. He leaves behind two sisters. "The sweetest little boy that I've ever known," his grandmother told KSAT. "I'm not just saying that because he was my grandkid."
What we know about the victims at Robb Elementary School Jose Flores Jr. was 10-years-old. He was among those killed at Robb Elementary, according to his father, Jose Flores Sr. His father described the fourth grade boy as an amazing kid and big brother to his two siblings. He loved baseball and video games.
What we know about the victims at Robb Elementary School The father of one of the children killed in Tuesday's school shooting has identified his daughter as 10 year-old Amerie Jo Garza. At least 19 students and 2 adults were killed Tuesday in a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, roughly 80 miles west of San Antonio, CNN has reported. Angel Garza took to Facebook early Wednesday morning to share that his daughter had been killed in the shooting at her elementary school.
What we know about the victims at Robb Elementary School A fourth-grade teacher, Eva Mireles, was also killed at the school. Mireles had been an educator for 17 years. In her spare time, she enjoyed running, hiking, biking and being with her family, according to her profile on the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District's website.
What we know about the victims at Robb Elementary School Xavier Lopez was 10-years-old. Just hours before he was killed, Lopez was lauded at Robb Elementary's honor roll ceremony according to his mother, Felicha Martinez.