Benjamin Andrew Ben Wheeler was 6 years old and a first-grader at Sandy Hook Elementary School. He loved lighthouses, had a lively, curious nature, and was close to his older brother Nate. He was one of 20 children and six educators killed at the school on December 14, 2012.

Earlier that morning the assailant fatally shot his mother at their home, then drove to the school, forced entry, and opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle. The attacker, 20-year-old Adam Lanza, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. Investigators concluded Lanza planned and carried out the attack alone and no motive was officially established.

Benjamin’s family and community have continued to remember him for his energy and love of life.