A heartbreaking tragedy has rocked the small town of Byron, Wyoming, as a mother struggling with mental illness took the lives of three of her four daughters before turning the gun on herself. Now, a grieving father is pleading for prayers as his lone surviving daughter fights for her life.

Authorities identified the mother as 32-year-old Tranyelle Harshman. Her deceased daughters are Brooke and Jordan Harshman, ages 3 and 2, and 9-year-old Brailey Blackmer. Seven-year-old Olivia miraculously survived the attack and is now being treated at Salt Lake City Hospital in Utah.

The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office reported receiving a distressing call from Tranyelle Harshman around 1:30 p.m. on Monday. She informed dispatchers that gunshots had occurred in her home and that her daughters had been shot. She described the locations of her children, telling the dispatcher that two would be found in their cribs and two in their shared bedroom. She then chillingly stated her intent to take her own life.

Despite desperate attempts by dispatchers to keep her on the line, the call was disconnected. When authorities arrived minutes later, they found two daughters already deceased and two others—Olivia and her 2-year-old sister—still showing signs of life. Tranyelle was also found with a gunshot wound to the head but still breathing. As first responders worked to save the victims, the 2-year-old tragically succumbed to her injuries. Tranyelle later passed away on Tuesday evening.

Quinn Blackmer, the father of Brailey and Olivia, has been vocal about his fight for full custody of his daughters over the last four years. He expressed deep sorrow and regret, admitting that he feared for their safety but could have never imagined such a devastating outcome.

“I did worry that something bad would happen in the future,” Blackmer said. “But I had no idea—I could never imagine this.”

Now, as Olivia battles for her life, Blackmer is calling on the world to pray for his daughter’s survival. Doctors remain hopeful, but if her brain continues to swell, they may have to put her in an induced coma.

“I need the world praying for my baby,” Blackmer said through tears. “I need her to pull through. I don’t have my older daughter anymore, and this is all I have left.”

Blackmer described Brailey as an exceptionally kind and intelligent child, full of love and understanding beyond her years.

“She’s the kid that every parent hopes they have,” he said. “She was so smart and so loving and so understanding to everyone. And she was just such an angel that didn’t deserve this at all. None of those kids did.”

Tranyelle Harshman’s widower, Cliff Harshman, also mourns the loss of his family while grappling with overwhelming emotions. He revealed that his wife had been battling post-traumatic stress disorder, postpartum depression, and general depression. He urged the public not to judge her harshly, emphasizing that mental illness is not simply a matter of willpower but a result of chemical imbalances in the brain.

“People don’t understand how mental illness isn’t just a willpower thing. It’s chemical imbalances in your brain. It’s damaged pathways in your brain,” Harshman explained. “She was an incredible mom, and she loved those kids.”

Despite his plea for understanding, Harshman admitted to struggling with intense anger over what happened.

“I know this was something beyond what I can comprehend. I’m a mess,” he confessed. “I’m so angry. I don’t even know how to explain this to you. I’m so angry with her for the decision that was made.”

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community, and efforts are underway to support both grieving fathers. GoFundMe campaigns have been set up to help the families of both Quinn Blackmer and Cliff Harshman as they navigate unimaginable loss and medical expenses.

As Olivia continues her fight for survival, Blackmer remains at her side, singing to her and praying for a miracle. He shared that while singing the hymn I Am a Child of God, he saw Olivia move her fingers—a small but hopeful sign.

UPDATE: After fighting for her life for five days, Olivia Blackmer died as a result of her injuries on February 15th. Her father, Quinn Blackmer, shared the heartbreaking update on social media.

“I know this isn’t the update people were hoping for and we are absolutely gutted to make it,” Blackmer wrote, confirming Olivia had died on Saturday.

He added that they are thankful for “every single person that has donated and prayed and fasted for us and our family and our beautiful Olivia.”