Hope Amid Tragedy: Lewiston Shooting Survivor to Marry on Anniversary of the Event, Claims Day for Joy

Lewiston, Maine — A year after Maine’s deadliest mass shooting claimed 18 lives at a local recreational spot, survivors and the bereaved are grappling with the lingering pain and looking toward a future of healing and remembrance. On Oct. 25, 2023, what started as an ordinary evening at a bowling alley and a bar turned tragic when a gunman opened fire, leaving the community of Lewiston shattered.

Among the survivors is Ben Dyer, who was critically injured in the attack. Dyer was struck by five bullets and still carries the physical scars from that night. Despite his severe injuries, including the loss of a finger and the use of his right arm, Dyer cherishes his life and has found new meaning through personal milestones. Earlier this year, he proposed to his long-time girlfriend, Keela Smith, choosing the same date of the tragedy for their upcoming wedding. The couple aims to transform Oct. 25 into a joyous occasion, a manifestation of their resilience and commitment to each other.

“Marrying on that day means we’ll remember it positively, turning our deepest sorrow into something beautiful,” Smith explained as she detailed their plans to redefine a date marked by loss.

The community’s journey through grief reverberates intensely as the first anniversary approaches. Local authorities have planned a solemn ceremony to honor those killed and injured, recognizing the ongoing struggles of survivors like Dyer and the families who lost loved ones. The event will feature music, speeches from community leaders, and moments of silence, providing a space for collective mourning and reflection.

Megan Vozzella, who lost her husband Steve in the shooting, faces daily challenges coping with the trauma. Her husband was one of several deaf individuals targeted while engaging in a game of cornhole at the bar that evening. The loss devastated Vozzella, who communicates through sign language and shares a daughter with her late husband. Time has done little to ease the sorrow of her family’s shattered dreams.

“The pain lingers; it reshapes every aspect of living. Our daughter and I are finding ways to cope, but the fear and sadness persist,” Vozzella shared, revealing a tattoo in memory of her husband—a symbol of her enduring love and the pain of sudden loss.

As the town of Lewiston continues to heal, the broader conversations about gun violence and mental health services in the country persist. The shooter, Army reservist Robert Card, was known to authorities, and his deteriorating mental health and threatening behavior had been documented. Yet, opportunities to intervene before the tragedy were missed, raising questions about the efficacy of existing regulations and the need for robust mental health support systems.

Maine has responded by strengthening its “yellow flag” law and adjusting other related legislations, though calls for more comprehensive measures, including bans on assault weapons, continue to echo in legislative chambers and community gatherings. The challenges of balancing community safety with rights to gun ownership remain a divisive issue, even for those most affected by gun violence.

As survivors like Dyer navigate their new realities, they also reflect on broader societal issues. Despite his injuries, Dyer’s perspective on gun ownership remains unchanged. He equates misuse of firearms to any potential misuse of everyday items, underscoring the complexity of America’s ongoing debate over gun control.

Lewiston stands united yet marked by the tragedy as it continues to look for pathways to recovery and understanding. For many, the upcoming anniversary will be a time of reflection, sorrow, and perhaps, a glimpse of healing in shared moments of community solidarity. The city, battered but resilient, strives to move forward while forever holding dear the memories of those lost in that fateful autumn evening.