Franklin, Tennessee – A tragic incident unfolded as Lily Basil, a recent high school graduate, was accidentally shot and killed by an 18-year-old acquaintance. Matthew Roufail, the shooter, believed his AR-15 style rifle was unloaded at the time of the incident.
Following the shooting, Roufail was charged with criminal homicide and released on a $150,000 bond. He confessed to authorities that the shooting was unintentional, stating that he shot Basil with a .22 caliber rifle late Saturday night after retrieving the gun from the trunk of a vehicle where they were gathered.
Basil was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center after sustaining a gunshot wound to her right shoulder but was tragically pronounced dead upon arrival. In response to her passing, Page High School in Franklin is offering grief counseling sessions for students to cope with the loss.
Principal Dr. Katie Hill of Page High School expressed deep sorrow over Basil’s passing, describing her as a beacon of positivity and kindness. The school community plans to honor Basil’s memory by participating in a candle-lighting or porch light tribute on Friday evening, as a symbol of remembrance and respect.
In the wake of the tragedy, friends and classmates of Basil took to social media to pay tribute to her vibrant spirit and the impact she had on their lives. The loss of Lily Basil has deeply affected those who knew her, with many cherishing the memories and laughter she brought into their lives.
The untimely death of Lily Basil serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of accidental gun violence and the need for increased awareness and vigilance when handling firearms, especially among young adults. As the community mourns the loss of a bright young soul, they are reminded to cherish the moments shared with loved ones and to honor Basil’s memory by spreading kindness and light in her honor.