Agrieving fatheris calling for a deeper understanding ofmental illnessafter his wife, 32-year-old Tranyelle Harshman,fatally shot three of their four daughtersbefore taking her own life last Monday (February 10).

HighlightsGrieving husband called for understanding of mental illness after wife shoots daughters, and herself.Wife battled PTSD and post-partum depression.Friends stressed the mother’s struggles and emphasized that she wasn’t a monster.Community has donated over $150k via GoFundMe for survivors of the tragedy.

Cliff, his voice laden with grief and disbelief, went on to explain that his wife’s actions were the result of her losing her battle with mental illness, urging the public not to rush to conclusions as Tranyelle was dealing with both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-partum depression.

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The grieving husband of a mom who shot her four daughters and then herself calls for people not to judge her as she was battling severe mental illness

A woman with dark hair and glasses sits in a car, wearing a pink floral top.

Image credits:Tranyelle Harshman

“I’m so angry. I don’t even know how to explain this to you. I’m so angry withherfor the decision thatwas made,” Cliff said, trying to come to terms with the devastating consequences of thetragedy.

“People don’t understand how mental illness isn’t just a willpower thing. It’s chemical imbalances in your brain. It’s damaged pathways in your brain,” he added.

Family poses outdoors on a mountain with trees in the background; father stands with four daughters and mother.

On that fateful Monday, inside the Harshman residence, Tranyelle shot their two-year-old daughters, Brooke and Jordan, in the head. She then turned the gun on his 9-year-old stepdaughter, Brailey, and wounded his other stepdaughter, 7-year-old Olivia, who is now in critical condition.

While no official information has been provided as to Tranyelle’s mental state during the incident, once she came to her senses, she called 911, reporting that her daughters “had been shot” and that she was planning to end her own life.

The father of Tranyelle’s eldest daughters put away his anger to focus on his surviving daughter, gathering funds to pay for her treatment

Man playfully lifting children in a kitchen setting.

Image credits:GoFundMe

Quinn Blackmer, the father of Tranyelle’s two eldest daughters, remains anguished and angry over the irreversible loss.

“I’m furious. I’m trying my hardest to bury that for a while and to focus on the now because that anger isn’t going to bring my child back,” he said during an emotional interview with Cowboy State Daily.

Happy family in a park setting, featuring a husband, wife, and their two daughters smiling at the camera.

Image credits:Quinn Blackmer

Friends and community members have joined to offer as much support as they can for the grieving fathers while at the same time sharing a more nuanced picture of Tranyelle, emphasizing that her struggles with mental illness were well-known and profound.

“Tranyelle was not the monster this tragedy makes her seem to be,” said close friend Briana Baker. “You never know what someone is struggling with insideoftheir mind.”

“If she wasreallybattling post-partum depression, that’s a serious thing. People needed to be there for her,” stated former classmate Sage Miears.

The community has donated more than $150,000 across two GoFundMe pages to help the survivors of the tragedy

Snow-covered crime scene near house with street signs at East Shoshone and South Big Horn.

Reflecting on the tragedy that has shaken the tight-knit community, Byron Mayor Allen Clark remarked, “When you’re in a small community like this, you know, everyone rubs shoulders with everyone. It’s just devastating.“

The community set up two GoFundMe pages to assist both grieving fathers and the surviving daughter, Olivia.

Man smiling with two girls playfully hanging by his sides in a kitchen setting.

At the time of writing,Cliff Harshman’s has raised more than $90,000 withover1,400 donations.Olivia andQuinn Blackmer’s has garnered more than $60,000 withover887 donations.Both campaignsare expectedto reach theirrespectivegoals of $100,000 and $90,000 in the coming days.

“So many are praying for you and your daughter. So very sorry for your loss. There are no words for someone losing a child. We hold you in our hearts,” one donor wrote.

“Evil.” Despite the husband’s plea, netizens struggled to comprehend what could have driven the mother to commit such an act

Text image expressing disbelief about a mother’s actions towards her children.

Text message expressing confusion about taking a life, linked to a tragic family event.

Comment by user expressing anger towards a mother involved in a shooting incident.

Comment questioning actions of mother who shot daughters.

Linda Bruce’s comment on the story involving an “incredible mother.

Comment on postpartum depression’s impact and importance of seeking help, highlighting emotional and avoidable outcomes.

Text discussing mental health challenges and delayed psychiatric appointments stresses urgency in preventing tragic events.

Comment on mental health awareness highlighting its real impact.

Comment on mental health disorders emphasizing therapy and seeking help.

Comment on postpartum depression highlighting mental health issues and support for young mothers.

Comment on mental health issues related to a tragic shooting involving a mother and her children.

Emotional comment addressing tragic loss involving an “incredible mother” and her daughters, highlighting mental health issues.

Text comment expressing sympathy for emergency responders, friends, and family of those involved.

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Renan Duarte

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