Sole survivor nearly blinded in family’s murder-suicide graduates from high school

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (KSL) - A Utah high school student who lost his family in a murder-suicide that left him nearly blind graduated just months after the tragedy, redefining perseverance in the face of adversity.

Sha Reh, 18, graduated Wednesday morning from New Granger High School, walking across the stage with the Class of 2025. The moment marks a monumental achievement for Reh, who received his diploma despite a murder-suicide that left the rest of his family dead.

“I’m just so happy I get to graduate,” Reh said. “I just want to keep moving forward with my life.”

Back in December, police say Reh’s father fatally shot his mother, brother and two sisters. Reh, who was 17 at the time, survived a gunshot wound to the head that left him nearly blind. Doctors don’t know whether he will ever see anything more than shadows.

Recovering and grieving in the hospital, Reh had to decide how he was going to live his life. He adapted to his new reality without sight, completing his high school courses through Braille in just a few short months.

“It’s very hard. It was hard for me at the beginning, but I think I’m getting more used to it now,” Reh said. “I want to make my friends and family proud.”

The 18-year-old’s teachers consider him an inspiration.

“He’s one of the hardest working individuals I’ve ever taught in my career,” said Kenny Schmeling, Reh’s AVID teacher.

Reh is simply grateful to receive his diploma. It was very important to him that he was able to graduate with his class. He encourages others facing adversity to never give up.

“No matter the place you call home or the broken bones along the road, just know you’re not alone,” he said.

Reh plans to attend the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind this fall then transfer to the University of Utah by the end of the year. He hopes to become an attorney, specializing in family law.

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