Josselin Corea Escalante Killed in Antioch High School Shooting Nashville, Tenn. — The Antioch High School community continues to mourn the loss of Josselin Corea Escalante, a 16-year-old student who was fatally shot in a tragic school shooting that took place on January 22, 2025, in the cafeteria of Antioch High School in Nashville. The incident left Escalante dead and others injured, and it has had a lasting impact on students, families, and the wider community.
Authorities say the shooting unfolded shortly after 11 a.m. when a 17-year-old student opened fire inside the crowded cafeteria during lunchtime. Escalante was struck by gunfire and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Another student was grazed by a bullet and treated for non-life-threatening injuries, while a separate facial injury was reported from a fall during the chaos. The gunman then took his own life at the scene.
Josselin was remembered by friends, family, classmates, and the Nashville community as a bright, compassionate young student. She was actively involved in school life, played soccer, and had aspirations of becoming a doctor. Her parents and community members held vigils and gatherings to honor her memory and to express their grief and solidarity in the aftermath of the tragedy.
In the months following the shooting, Escalante’s family filed a lawsuit against Metro Nashville Public Schools and local government officials, arguing that the school failed to protect students despite known warning signs. The case brought renewed attention to school safety measures and the effectiveness of weapon detection systems. School officials later approved a settlement with the family.
The shooting at Antioch High School prompted widespread calls for improved safety protocols and legislative action aimed at preventing similar tragedies. Lawmakers in Tennessee passed measures related to juvenile court transparency and school safety, reflecting efforts to address conditions that contributed to the incident.
One year after the shooting, the community continues to grapple with the emotional aftermath. Students, teachers, and families reflect on the loss of Josselin Corea Escalante and the need for ongoing dialogue about violence prevention, mental health support, and meaningful change to protect young people in schools.
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