The small town of Byron, Wyoming, is reeling after a tragic incident in which 32-year-old Tranyelle Harshman shot her four young daughters before turning the gun on herself.
Authorities confirmed on Tuesday night that Harshman succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
According to the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call was placed at 1:30 p.m. on Monday from a woman reporting gunshots inside her home. The caller, later identified as Harshman, told the dispatcher that her daughters had been shot and provided their locations inside the house. She then stated she was upstairs and intended to take her own life.
Despite the dispatcher’s attempts to keep her on the line, the call was disconnected. Law enforcement arrived within minutes, entering the residence to find the victims.
- Three daughters—ages 9, 2, and 2—were found deceased.
- A fourth daughter, age 7, was critically injured and transported to a hospital in Salt Lake City for treatment.
- Harshman was found alive with a self-inflicted gunshot wound but later died at the hospital.
The tragedy has left Byron’s close-knit community in shock. Residents, neighbors, and school officials have expressed their grief and support for the surviving family members.
Byron Mayor Allen Clark described the event as “devastating”, emphasizing the community’s collective sorrow.
At Rocky Mountain Elementary School, where the two oldest girls were students, Principal Eric Honeyman sent a message to parents and staff acknowledging the deep impact on the school community. Counselors have been made available for those struggling to process the loss.
Friends of Harshman have shared that she struggled with mental health issues, including postpartum depression. Many in the community are calling for increased awareness and support for those facing similar struggles.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist Cliff Harshman, the girls’ father, in the wake of the tragedy. As of Tuesday, over $47,000 had been raised to support him and cover expenses.
Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn described the scene as a “nightmare” and commended first responders for their courage in handling the difficult situation.
Governor Mark Gordon released a statement expressing heartbreak over the loss of innocent lives and offering condolences to the family and community.
Ongoing Investigation
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation is assisting local authorities in the ongoing investigation. Officials continue to encourage Wyoming residents to check in on loved ones who may be struggling with mental health challenges.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, support is available:
📞 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 for confidential help.
📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 800-799-7233.
📞 Wyoming Behavioral Health Division – Visit health.wyo.gov for resources.
The Byron community continues to mourn and support one another during this difficult time.
With input from Wyo File, Cowboy State Daily, and Q2 Montana’s News Leader Billings.
