Hengel Family Statement

The family of Sam Hengel, the 15-year-old gunman who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound he suffered during a hostage ordeal at Marinette High School, released this statement on Tuesday:

"Our family is extremely distraught over the events that have taken place over the course of the last twenty-four hours that have concluded with the passing of our son.

"We wish we knew and could provide insight to what led Sam to take these drastic acts. Unfortunately we may never know the answer to the question "Why?" because there were no indicators to make us think something was wrong. In the coming days and weeks as we talk to other people involved in this incident we hope reasons surface so we too, can stop asking ourselves "why?"

"Even though we are devastated and heartbroken over the loss of our son, we are extremely thankful there were no other injuries in this incident. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the students, teacher, their families and others affected by this horrific incident. Although there were no physical injuries to others, we regret the emotional trauma to all involved."

"Thank you to all emergency response agencies for the role they played in keeping the situation from escalating further. Thank you to the public for your support for our family and individuals involved. We appreciate you respecting our privacy at this most difficult time."

This is heartbreaking.

There were no warning signs that Sam Hengel would do something like this.

A large sign in the driveway of Hengel’s Porterfield home today says “We do not wish to speak at this time.”

The Hengel family’s neighbors on LaPlant Road expressed disbelief about the standoff. Several said that it was common to see Sam and his two younger brothers, Ben and Dan, playing outside or riding four-wheelers.

Ed Carviou, who lived next to the Hengels, said he never saw any disturbing behavior from Sam

“Something had to snap,” said Carviou, who added that Sam loved to be outdoors and was involved in hunting and canoeing.

Tim Stauss, who lived on the other side of the Hengels, described Sam as a straight-A student who never exhibited any personality or emotional troubles. Sam was the last person Stauss said he thought would be engaged in the type of incident that occurred.

“Not one hint that anything like this would happen,” said Stauss, an economics teacher at Marinette High School. “We’re just in shock out here. It’s so unexplainable.”

School Superintendent Tim Baneck said Hengel was good in school and did not have a history of problems. Marinette High School Principal Corry Lambie said Hengel liked to hunt and fish.

Video, from WFRV.