In a heart-wrenching incident that has left a small Wyoming community in mourning, a tragic event unfolded when a mother, struggling with severe mental health issues, took the lives of three of her daughters before turning the gun on herself. Tranyelle Harshman, 32, was identified as the mother who, in a moment of despair, ended the lives of her children—3-year-old Brooke, 2-year-old Jordan, and 9-year-old Brailey Blackmer. Only her 7-year-old daughter, Olivia, survived the devastating attack and is currently fighting for her life in a Utah hospital.
On Monday afternoon, the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office received a distressing call from Tranyelle, who reported gunshots at her home in Byron. In the chilling exchange with dispatchers, she indicated that her daughters had been shot and expressed her intent to take her own life as well. Despite the desperate pleas from the dispatcher to keep her on the line, the call was abruptly disconnected, leaving authorities scrambling to respond.
Upon arrival, officers found a heartbreaking scene. Two of the girls were discovered deceased, with the youngest, Jordan, and Brailey tragically lost to gunshot wounds. Tranyelle was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was rushed to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries the following day. Olivia, however, remains in critical condition, prompting her father, Quinn Blackmer, to urge the public for prayers and support.
Quinn, who had been fighting for full custody of his daughters, expressed his disbelief at the tragedy. “I did worry that something bad would happen in the future,” he said, reflecting on his fears that something might occur but never anticipating such a horrific outcome. He has been by Olivia’s side in the hospital, singing to her in hopes of providing comfort during this unimaginable ordeal.
In the aftermath, Tranyelle’s widower, Cliff Harshman, shared insights into his wife’s struggles with mental health, including post-traumatic stress disorder and postpartum depression. He urged the community to understand that mental illness is not simply a matter of willpower but a complex interplay of chemical imbalances in the brain. “She was an incredible mom and she loved those kids,” he stated, grappling with the conflicting emotions of grief and anger over the loss.
The community has rallied around the families affected by this tragedy, with GoFundMe campaigns established to assist both fathers during this dark time. As they cope with the loss of their daughters and the uncertainty surrounding Olivia’s recovery, the support from friends, family, and the broader community serves as a reminder of the power of compassion in the face of unimaginable grief.
This tragic event highlights the urgent need for mental health awareness and support, particularly for those battling invisible struggles. Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provide valuable resources and support for families dealing with mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and understanding.
As the community comes together to support the grieving families, let us remember the innocent lives lost and the profound impact of mental health on families. It is a call to action for all of us to foster a culture of empathy and support, ensuring that those in need feel seen, heard, and valued.