OGDEN, Utah — Heartbreak and disbelief have swept through the city of Ogden following the tragic death of 16-year-old Mason Caballero, a Ben Lomond High School student who was fatally shot Tuesday afternoon near the school’s campus. The devastating loss has left students, teachers, and families in mourning, uniting the community in grief and reflection.
According to the Ogden Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting near 5th Street and Gramercy Avenue at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday. When first responders arrived, they discovered that Caballero—suffering from a gunshot wound—had managed to make his way to Ben Lomond High School in a desperate attempt to seek help.
Though the school day had officially ended at 2:35 p.m., school resource officers and staff acted quickly to render aid upon seeing the injured teen. They performed life-saving measures until paramedics arrived. Mason was transported to a nearby hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
Authorities confirmed that the shooting took place off school property and that there was no ongoing threat to students or staff. As a precaution, nearby schools briefly entered lockdown while police secured the scene and began their investigation.
In a statement Tuesday evening, Principal Velden Wardle expressed the deep sorrow felt across the school community:
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that the student has passed away as a result of their injuries. Our hearts are with Mason’s family, friends, and all who are grieving this devastating loss. We mourn together as a school community.”
The Ogden School District emphasized that this incident was an isolated tragedy unrelated to any prior threats, assuring families that Ben Lomond High remains a safe environment for students. All after-school activities were canceled out of respect for Mason and his family.
To support grieving students and staff, grief counselors and trained mental health professionals have been made available on campus throughout the week. Administrators are encouraging anyone struggling to reach out for help, emphasizing that no one should face this loss alone.
The Ogden Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. As of Wednesday morning, no arrests have been made, and no suspect information has been released. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to determine what led to the deadly encounter.
Residents of Ogden have begun to gather in remembrance of Mason—lighting candles, leaving flowers, and sharing stories of his kindness, humor, and heart. Friends describe him as a “bright light” who brought joy to everyone he met, while teachers remember his determination and respectfulness.
“This has shaken all of us,” said one community member at a growing memorial near the school. “He was just a kid with his whole life ahead of him. We’ll never forget him.”
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Ogden Police Department at (801) 629-8221 or submit tips anonymously through Weber County Crime Stoppers.
As the investigation continues, the people of Ogden are left mourning a young life lost far too soon—a tragedy that has left a community united in sorrow and calling for peace.
Rest in peace, Mason Caballero — forever loved, forever remembered.