Family says Ella Whistler was shot 7 times at middle school; long road to recovery ahead

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. -- (WXIN) -- The family of a Noblesville West Middle School student who was shot while in class on May 25 says she continues to make progress in her recovery.

Ella Whistler, 13, was originally listed in critical condition after getting shot multiple times. Her family says she suffered very serious, life-threatening injuries from being shot seven times in the face, neck, hand and chest. She had collapsed lungs; a broken jaw, clavicle, multiple neck vertebrae and ribs; a severed vertebral vein, significant nerve damage and other injuries.

The family says Ella remains in stable condition and has a long road ahead for recovery.

“She will remain an inpatient at Riley Hospital for the foreseeable future, where she is receiving exceptional care from her medical team. She hopes to eventually return to her favorite activities of volleyball, cheerleading, and show choir,” the family said in a statement.

Her heroic teacher, Jason Seaman, thwarted the shooter after getting shot three times.

Those who would like to donate to Ella's recovery expenses can do so here.

Full release from the family:

Ella and her family deeply appreciate the outpouring of support, concern, and prayers from friends, family, and the community. Ella suffered very serious, life-threatening injuries from being shot 7 times in the face, neck, hand, and upper chest area. She underwent emergency, life-saving surgery after being airlifted to Riley, and her injuries include collapsed lungs; a broken jaw, clavicle, multiple neck vertebras, and ribs; a severed vertebral vein; significant nerve damage; and numerous related injuries.

Ella's parents are proud of her incredible bravery and strength in facing this unspeakable tragedy. Ella's current condition is stable. She continues to make progress but faces a long road to recovery. She will remain an inpatient at Riley Hospital for the foreseeable future, where she is receiving exceptional care from her medical team. She hopes to eventually return to her favorite activities of volleyball, cheerleading, and show choir.

If you would like to show your support for Ella, you can post words of encouragement or make donations at https://www.gofundme.com/ella-whistler to help with the enormous medical and other expenses caused by Ella's injuries.

Ella and her family respectfully request privacy at this difficult time so they can focus on Ella's treatment and recovery.