Gov. Mark Gordon emphasized the urgent need for improved mental health services in Wyoming following a devastating tragedy in the small town of Byron.
The incident, in which a mother allegedly shot four of her children before taking her own life, has reignited discussions about the state’s approach to mental health care.
Byron, a town of just over 500 residents, is grappling with the shocking loss. Three of the children—ages 2, 3, and 9—died, while a fourth, 7-year-old Olivia, remains hospitalized in critical condition. The mother, Tranyelle Harshman, was also hospitalized but later succumbed to her injuries. Her husband, Cliff Harshman, has since spoken publicly, describing his wife’s long battle with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Harshman expressed deep grief and frustration over the tragedy, acknowledging his anger while also urging people to understand the complexities of mental illness.
“She was an incredible mom, and she loved those kids,” he said.
Harshman added that mental health struggles are “not just a willpower thing” but involve chemical imbalances in the brain.
Olivia’s father, Quinn Blackmer, also mourned the loss of his other daughter, Brailey, while remaining by Olivia’s side in a Salt Lake City hospital. He described his emotions as a mix of devastation and hope, sharing that Olivia has shown some positive signs of recovery.
Gov. Gordon, speaking to reporters, said the tragedy highlights the need for increased mental health resources across Wyoming.
“This is a restatement of how important it is that we have compassion, that we listen, that we understand,” Gordon said.
Wyoming has long struggled with one of the highest suicide rates in the nation, and Gordon acknowledged that state resources for mental health remain insufficient. While his administration has launched initiatives such as the WY We Care program and mental health town halls, he admitted:
“We just don’t have enough resources on a government level.”
Gordon stressed that beyond policy changes, there also needs to be a cultural shift in how mental health is addressed.
“We need to make it easy and comfortable for people to say, ‘I’m having trouble right now,'” he said.
News of the tragedy quickly spread to the Wyoming Legislature, where lawmakers paused their debates to hold moments of silence. Local legislators, many with personal ties to the victims’ families, expressed deep sorrow. Sen. Dan Laursen, overcome with emotion, struggled to read a statement about the event, while Rep. Dalton Banks described Byron as a “tight-knit community” where such tragedies feel particularly personal.
Community support has been overwhelming. Residents have stepped up to provide meals, help with funeral arrangements, and contribute to GoFundMe campaigns for the affected families. Businesses have offered assistance, including hotels providing free stays for grieving family members.
Both Harshman and Blackmer expressed gratitude for the outpouring of kindness but acknowledged the long road ahead.
“You can’t take away the pain,” Banks said, “but you can help somebody be stronger to bear it.”
With input from Wyo File, Cowboy State Daily, and Q2 Montana’s News Leader Billings.
