Anthony Ignatiadis-Isabelle Obituary, WAYNESBORO, Va. — Anthony Ignatiadis-Isabelle, 19, of the Waynesboro area, died on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, after authorities said he forced his way into Westwood Hills Elementary School during a shooting that left an adult staff member injured.
According to Waynesboro police, officers received a report of a suspicious person near the elementary school at approximately 9:12 a.m. Authorities identified the individual as Ignatiadis-Isabelle and said he entered the school through a locked door. Police arrived approximately three minutes after the initial call and began securing the building.
Officers later found Ignatiadis-Isabelle dead inside the school library. Authorities said he died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. At the time of the incident, no students were inside the library.
One adult staff member was shot during the incident and suffered injuries that officials described as non-life-threatening. The employee was taken to a hospital for treatment and was subsequently released. Authorities have not publicly identified the staff member.
The shooting prompted a major emergency response at Westwood Hills Elementary, while other schools in the Waynesboro Public Schools system were temporarily placed on lockdown as a precaution. Students and staff were evacuated, and a nearby church was used as a reunification location for students and their families.
Officials later confirmed that all students, teachers and staff members were accounted for and that no students were injured. The temporary lockdowns at other schools were lifted after authorities determined there was no continuing threat to the school system. Westwood Hills Elementary was expected to remain closed Thursday, with additional police presence planned around Waynesboro schools.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including how Ignatiadis-Isabelle entered the building and what led to the incident. Police have not publicly established a motive or confirmed whether he knew the injured staff member or had any previous connection to the school.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger said she was monitoring the situation and expressed concern for the students, families, teachers and staff affected by the shooting while thanking first responders and law enforcement. As the investigation continues, officials have urged residents and families to rely on confirmed information from authorities rather than unverified reports circulating online.
Anthony Ignatiadis-Isabelle’s death came amid an incident that officials said could have resulted in further harm but ultimately left no students injured. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may be released as authorities review evidence and establish a complete timeline. Condolences remain with those affected by the incident and with everyone in the Waynesboro community as they work through its aftermath.
