Victim Worked As Therapist At Western Psych
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Michael Schaab was following his life's plan
He worked at western psych for more than three year, was recently accepted into grad school at Pit and last month he proposed to his girlfriend.
According to Tom Fitzgerald, the family spokesperson who talked to reporters at the Schaab family restaurant, The 66 Grille in Greensburg, the 25-year-old therapist at Western Psych was just returning to the building from lunch.
He was talking with his mother on his cell phone. Fitzgerald says they were going over wedding plans and he told his mother they would talk later.
"Later" never came. Schaab was killed by a gunman inside Western Psych. It is a loss that brought a grown man to tears.
Gino Evangelista who owns the Beer Barn, not far from the Schaab restaurant, told Brenda Waters he watched the scene unfold Thursday and knew Schaab worked in the building, but never imagined the worst.
This is the second tragedy the Schaab family has had to endure. Their daughter, Nancy, was shot to death by her boyfriend back in October 2010. The parents have now lost both of their children.
Schaab would have celebrated his 26th birthday on Saint Patrick's Day. He planned to marry his fiancée, Megan Shively, next March.
They met at Western Psych. Presently, she is a nurse at UPMC Presby.
Friends say Schaab was an all-American guy – the kind of kid you would want your daughter to marry.
UPMC officials released a statement today on Schaab's death.
It reads: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague and friend, Michael Schaab, yesterday. It was clear that Michael was truly a leader among our staff, and he was beloved by the geriatric patients whom he cared for every day. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time. This senseless act of violence has had a profound impact on all of us who knew and admired him. He will be greatly missed.
"We are offering resources and tools to support staff, patients and families during this challenging time, and we offer our support and prayers to those who are still recovering from their injuries."
Investigators have still not released the identity of the alleged gunman or a motive. Officials say he was not carrying any identification.
"A gunman entered the front door at Western Psych," said Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl at a press conference after the shooting. "At this time there are two confirmed deaths, one believed to be the shooter. He entered the building with two firearms. It appears at this point that he acted alone."
Meanwhile, doctors expect the seven injured victims who were brought to the hospital to survive. Of the seven, officials said one was a visitor and the others were UPMC employees.
Two of the wounded were treated and released. But five remain at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital as they continue to be treated for gunshot wounds.
Officials said that two had surgery on Thursday, and two will need to have surgery.
The names of the injured have not been released yet either, but officials have updated their conditions.
A 64-year-old woman, who is believed to have been the receptionist at Western Psych, was last listed in serious condition. UPMC officials say the other woman who was hurt, age 54, is now in good condition.
A 49-year-old man was last reported in serious condition, and a 35-year-old man and 46-year-old man were both in fair condition.
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.
RELATED LINKS:
STORY: Mayor: Western Psych Shooter Had 2 Guns, Acted Alone (3/8/12)
STORY: Sources: Western Psych Shooter Had No ID (3/8/12)
LINK: Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic
VIDEO: Western Psych Shooting Press Conference
PHOTO GALLERY: Shooting At Western Psych Leaves 2 Dead, Several Injured
MORE: Other Related Stories
