Hochhalter formed a close bond with Sue Townsend, whose stepdaughter was killed in the attack, sharing meals and vacations that provided joy and relief from her pain.

Anne Marie Hochhalter, a survivor of the Columbine High School shooting, passed away at 43, with her family suspecting natural causes related to her injuries from the 1999 attack.

Hochhalter emphasized the importance of healing and forgiveness, stating her mother's struggles with depression were separate from her own trauma.

Hochhalter was shot in the back and chest during the attack, which left her paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair for life.

She became an outspoken advocate against gun violence, participating in vigils and assemblies to promote school safety and support victims' rights.

Frank DeAngelis, the principal of Columbine during the shooting, confirmed her death was due to natural causes at her home.

Hochhalter's legacy is one of tenacity and joy, as she sought to live life fully despite her challenges, including enjoying outings to the ocean where she experienced relief from pain.

DeAngelis described Hochhalter as a 'pillar of strength' and an inspiration for her resilience, love for music, and dedication to helping others despite her disabilities.

Despite enduring severe pain from her gunshot wounds, Hochhalter dedicated her life to helping others, including those with disabilities and rescue animals.

The Columbine shooting marked a significant moment in American history, with school shootings increasing over the past 25 years and gun violence being declared a public health crisis.

At the 25th anniversary vigil for the Columbine tragedy, Hochhalter expressed a desire to remember the victims for how they lived rather than how they died.

She had previously struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder but felt significant healing by the time of the 25th anniversary vigil, which she attended with her brother.