Athlete, Teacher, Active Student. Some of the Faces Behind the Tragedy at Charles University

Thursday’s shooting at the Faculty of Arts at Charles University claimed the lives of 14 people, leaving behind a trail of sorrow and grief.

Here are the heartfelt stories of some of the victims, whose dreams and aspirations were abruptly cut short.

Lenka Hlávková

In a somber announcement, the Institute of Musicology shared the tragic news of Lenka Hlávková’s demise. The director of the institute fell victim to the senseless violence. “This is extremely cruel news for all of us. Let us remain in mutual support,” the institute wrote on its Facebook page.

Lucie Špindlerová

A student and proofreader at Lidové noviny.“It is with deep regret that we announce that our colleague, proofreader, first-year student of Czech in Communication for the Deaf and, above all, friend Lucie Špindlerová did not survive yesterday’s attack at the Faculty of Arts at Charles University. We express our deepest condolences to all the survivors, especially to the family. This is extremely painful news for us,” Lidové noviny wrote.

Magdalena Křístková

Magdalena Křístková, a student from Roztoky, was studying communication for the deaf when tragedy struck. The municipality of Roztoky shared the heartbreaking news and remembered Majda as a joyful, kind, and extremely capable soul. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Klára Holcová

A student and accomplished athlete, Klára met her fate in the shooter’s attack. The Stará Boleslav Athletics Department paid tribute to the 20-year-old, expressing condolences to her family and acknowledging her significant contributions to Czech athletics.

S obrovskou bolestí jsme přijali zprávu, že jednou z obětí útoku na Filozofické fakultě Univerzity Karlovy je Klára Holcová, nadějná vrhačka Staré Boleslavi, majitelka devíti medailí z domácích šampionátů.

Všem pozůstalým vyjadřujeme upřímnou soustrast. Je nám to nesmírně líto. pic.twitter.com/SKJTpgsBJe

— Česká atletika (@czatletika) December 22, 2023

Aneta Richterová

Aneta Richterová, a student and member of the Velichovka Volunteer Fire Brigade, lost her life in the tragic shooting. The brigade mourned the loss, emphasizing Anetka’s impact on their collective and announced a collection to support the survivors in this challenging time.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this senseless act, it’s essential to reach out for support. Various helplines are available for psychological aid, including lines for adults, children, victims of crime, and those affected by domestic violence. Let us stand together in solidarity during this difficult time.

Where to Seek Help:

• Psychological First Aid Line: 116 123 (24/7)
• Helpline: 116 111 (24/7, for children, young people, and students up to 26 years)
• Helpline for Victims of Crime and Domestic Violence: 116 006 (24/7)
• Prague Helpline: 222 580 697 (24/7)
• Blue Line: 731 197 477 or 608 902 410 (24/7)
• In IUSTITIA Crisis Line: 773 177 636 or 773 177 844 (until the end of today)
• Elpida Senior Line: 800 200 007 (for people in crisis-affected by this event)
• Psychosocial Intervention Service System Line: 227 272 225 (24/7, for loved ones and survivors)