In the days before the unthinkable happened, something didn’t feel quite right—a strange quietness, unanswered messages, and a mounting sense of unease.
Friends and loved ones of Tranyelle Harshman now look back on those subtle red flags with a heavy heart. Though the signs were faint, in hindsight, they carried a chilling weight.
No one could have predicted the nightmare that would unfold in a quiet Wyoming neighborhood: a mother, four daughters, and a chain of events that would forever change one father’s world and leave an entire community stunned.
As the tragedy continues to unfold, the most painful question lingers—was there any way to stop it?
A heartbroken father has spoken out for the first time following the tragic loss of his seven-year-old daughter, Olivia Blackmer, who passed away after suffering a gunshot wound inflicted by her own mother in a horrific act of violence that has shaken many.
Little Olivia died on Saturday afternoon, February 15, just five days after she was rushed to the hospital with a gunshot wound to her head. The bullet was fired by her mother, 32-year-old Tranyelle Harshman, during a devastating murder-suicide that has since claimed the lives of all four of Harshman’s daughters.
Before carrying out the tragedy, Harshman made a 911 call, and shortly after, she shot her daughters before turning the gun on herself. Though she was taken to a hospital, she later succumbed to her injuries.
On February 10, Olivia’s 9-year-old sister, Brailey, and her 2-year-old twin stepsisters, Brooke and Jordan, were pronounced dead at the scene. Olivia, still clinging to life, was immediately hospitalized and eventually transferred by air to a more advanced facility. Despite medical intervention, she passed away several days later.
Her grieving father, Quinn Blackmer, confirmed her passing and shared a raw and emotional message on Facebook, expressing profound sorrow and asking for time and space.
“This pain is beyond words,” he wrote. “We need time to process the enormity of what’s happened. Please respect our privacy as we grieve.”
He also noted that information about memorial services and updates would be shared through his Facebook and a GoFundMe page that had been set up initially for Olivia’s care.
“To everyone who donated, prayed, or simply kept us in your thoughts—thank you,” he added. “Knowing Olivia and her sisters are now together brings a small measure of peace in this storm.”
In an earlier conversation with a local outlet, Blackmer spoke with painful honesty about his feelings. “I’m furious at her,” he admitted, referring to Harshman, “but right now, I have to set that aside and deal with the present. My anger won’t bring Olivia back.”
Olivia’s stepmother, Katelynn Blackmer, also shared the heartbreaking update through the GoFundMe page that had been helping raise funds for Olivia’s treatment and now supports funeral expenses for all the girls.
“At 3:44 p.m., Olivia joined her sisters,” she wrote. “She gave it everything she had. Her small body and brain went through more than we could imagine, and while treatments helped for a while, eventually, her condition declined beyond hope.”
“She fought until the very end, until her heart stopped. Those extra days with her were a gift, and we are thankful to everyone who helped carry us through them with love and support.”
“Losing both of our girls has left a hole we can’t describe,” she continued. “We needed time to grieve in private before sharing this, and we remain deeply grateful for every prayer, every message, every act of kindness.”
Conclusion
This overwhelming tragedy has left a family reeling and a community grieving alongside them. As Quinn and Katelynn Blackmer mourn the loss of all four daughters, they are lifted by an outpouring of compassion and solidarity. While the sorrow is unfathomable, they are finding moments of solace in believing their children are now at peace—together and no longer in pain.
This heartbreaking event is a stark reminder of the importance of recognizing signs of mental distress and reaching out for help before it’s too late. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t wait—there is help, and there is hope. Please speak up.