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Webster County Honors Slain National Guard Soldier at Hometown Vigil

Community members held a candlelight vigil at Webster County High School to honor U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, who was fatally shot in Washington. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains critically injured. A 29-year-old Afghan national has been charged in the attack, prompting a temporary federal pause on certain asylum and Afghan passport visa decisions. Gov. Patrick Morrisey and local leaders attended and praised Beckstrom's service and character.

10:20 AM, 12/01/2025Society
Webster County Honors Slain National Guard Soldier at Hometown Vigil

Webster County Honors Spc. Sarah Beckstrom

Community members gathered at Webster County High School this weekend to remember U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who was fatally shot last week in Washington. Attendees described Beckstrom as a caring, upbeat young woman known for her willingness to help others and her quiet strength.

The vigil brought together family, classmates, civic leaders and clergy who sat in bleachers and folding chairs and lit candles in her memory. Jarrod Hankins, the high school principal, recalled Beckstrom as "the kind of student that teachers hoped for," noting her contagious smile, positive energy and readiness to support others.

Beckstrom, 20, died after a Wednesday shooting in the capital. Her fellow service member, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, was seriously injured and remains hospitalized in critical condition, local officials said. Wolfe entered service in February 2019 and graduated from Musselman High School in 2019.

Authorities have charged a 29-year-old Afghan national with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed in connection with the incident. In response, the federal government temporarily suspended certain asylum decisions and paused issuing some visas for travelers holding Afghan passports.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey attended the vigil and said he had visited Wolfe's family. He praised Beckstrom as a "favorite daughter of Webster County," highlighting her kindness, courage and commitment to service. Beckstrom, a Summersville native, graduated high school in June 2023 and enlisted that month; the West Virginia National Guard said she served with distinction as a military police officer.

"She had a lot of kindness and she certainly had courage," Morrisey told the crowd. "Though her life lasted far too short, she has left a mark that's going to last forever."

The community's gathering underscored local grief and support for the families of both service members as authorities continue their investigation and families seek privacy and care.

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