Retired Teacher and Nurse Offer Refuge to Students Fleeing Colorado High School Shooting
EVERGREEN, Colo. — In the terrifying minutes after shots rang out inside Evergreen High School, a group of 18 students sprinted from campus, desperate for safety. They found it just down the road — at the home of Don Cygan, a retired teacher and nurse who quickly turned their quiet house into a sanctuary.
A Safe Haven in Crisis
Don Cygan, who spent decades teaching in Jefferson County schools, was at home when the frightened teenagers knocked on his door. Without hesitation, he ushered them inside.
The students, shaken and breathless, scattered into his living room and kitchen. Some clutched their phones, others cried, and many simply sat in stunned silence. Don immediately began writing down their names — and the names of their parents who would later come to collect them — ensuring that no one would be lost in the chaos.
“I just wanted to make sure everyone was accounted for,” Don later told police.
Calming the Shock
Inside, Don’s wife — a retired nurse — moved quickly to help. She offered water, blankets, and calming words, treating students for symptoms of shock. Some had trembling hands, others hyperventilated, and a few were nearly unresponsive. Her training guided her as she comforted them, one by one.
Neighbors described the couple’s home as a beacon of calm amid the sirens, helicopters, and heavy police presence surrounding the neighborhood.
A Teacher’s Instincts
For Don, the instinct to protect students came naturally. Years in the classroom had taught him the importance of structure and reassurance in moments of crisis.
“I hope they feel like they ran to the right house,” he told police after the ordeal.
Parents arriving later to pick up their children expressed gratitude — many embracing the couple, thanking them for providing safety at a time of unthinkable fear.
Community Spirit Amid Tragedy
The Cygan household’s quick response underscores the resilience of the Evergreen community. While law enforcement swarmed the school and officials coordinated reunifications, ordinary citizens stepped up in extraordinary ways.
For the students who sought shelter there, the Cygans’ home became more than just a place to hide — it was a reminder that even in moments of terror, compassion and care still prevail.
Looking Ahead
Authorities continue to investigate the broader circumstances of the shooting that left two students injured and the suspected gunman dead. But for the 18 teenagers who ran for their lives, the memory of the Cygans’ kindness will likely remain just as significant as the tragedy itself.
