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The Eden community reacts to shootings; gives update on survivor

Eden city officials give their thoughts on the deputy shootings and an update on the survivor’s medical condition.
Credit: Adriana Alexander

EDEN, Texas — The night of May 10 affected many people in Eden, as well as people around the country. Now the small West Texas community deals with life after the event that devastated their town and how to move forward together.

Fallen deputies Samuel Leonard and Stephen Jones were the two sheriff’s deputies that lost their lives after being dispatched for a dog complaint in Eden.

Eden city secretary/administrator Laura Beeson believes the community is strong enough to get through this.

“This city is such a great city where everyone pulls together and works together as one unit. They're very supportive of everyone so we're just very appreciative of the support. Of course we have two fallen officers and so we're very concerned for their families and I know it's gonna be tough but we'll pull together and support them as well,” Beeson said.

There was a sole survivor in Monday’s shooting. Ronnie Winans, an Eden Public Works supervisor, reportedly endured a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was seen first by the Concho County Hospital before being transported to Shannon Medical Center.

Concho County Hospital CEO Brian Lady said many did not know Winans was taken to Concho County Hospital before being taken to Shannon and critical access hospitals often don't get the recognition they deserve for all of the work they do in the community.

"I believe we play a very vital role and we're a big part of this community. I salute our staff and our community. We had nurses show up who weren't even on duty. We didn't even have time to activate the trauma, our trauma call, our trauma team; and we had nurses who heard about it and showed up instantly asking, what can I do,” Lady said.

Moving forward, members of the Eden community say they are continuing to try and remain positive and deal with the grief of this event.

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