INDIANAPOLIS — Samaria Blackwell, 19, was one of the eight victims killed in the Thursday night mass shooting at the FedEx Ground facility at 8951 Mirabel Rd.
The family established a GoFundMe to assist with Samaria's funeral and other expenses.
Blackwell's family released a statement about her death:
We are thankful for the outpouring of love and support for our family. We are also praying for the families of the other victims of this tragedy. As Samaria’s parents, we were blessed by the Lord to have such a fun-loving, caring daughter as the baby of our family. Being the baby, she looked up to her siblings Elijah, Levi, and Michaiah, who, along with her dog Jasper, will miss her immensely. Samaria was tenacious in everything she did, from playing basketball and soccer to being a lifeguard for Indy Parks. On the court or the soccer field, she had a tough game face, but that quickly turned to a smile outside of competition. Samaria loved people, especially those of advanced age. She always found time to invest in the older generation, whether it was by listening or serving. She spent many hours helping Memaw Sue, from mulching flower beds to setting up Christmas decorations. As an intelligent, straight A student, Samaria could have done anything she chose to put her mind to, and because she loved helping people, she dreamed of becoming a police officer. Although that dream has been cut short, we believe that right now she is rejoicing in heaven with her Savior. Philippians 1:6 says, “I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion…” For Samaria, that work is completed and she is sitting with Jesus today. On this side of heaven we grieve, but not as those who have no hope, for we recognize Samaria’s life has only just begun.
On Wednesday, funeral arrangements for Samaria were announced.
A funeral service will be held Monday, April 26 at 2:30 PM at Southport Heights Christian Church, 7154 McFarland Road, Indianapolis.
Visitation is set for 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service.
Graveside services will be private.
The family also released photos of Samaria to share with the Indianapolis community.