Zara Sobansky dies in fatal West Omaha shooting

Zara Sobansky dies in fatal West Omaha shooting

Fatal West Omaha shooting death of Zara Sobansky – Obituary

Zara “A.J.” Sobansky, a 17-year-old student at Millard North High School, was killed in a tragic murder-suicide that took place Friday night in the parking lot of a restaurant in West Omaha.

Authorities have identified Sobansky and 18-year-old Tristan Doner as the two teenagers involved. Omaha police reported that officers responded just after 9 p.m. to the scene outside Stokes restaurant. They found Sobansky inside a vehicle and Doner lying nearby. Investigators determined that Doner fatally shot Sobansky before turning the weapon on himself.

In response to the heartbreaking loss, Millard Public Schools activated its crisis team to support students and staff at the school. Friends, classmates, and faculty gathered at the spot where A.J.’s car had been parked to honor her memory with a vigil.

Millard North teacher Whitney Hansen described A.J. as someone whose vibrant energy and artistic talents left a mark on everyone she met. She was known for her abilities in poetry, music, and acting and was involved in both show choir and the school’s poetry team.

A message from her family emphasized how proud they were of A.J., noting her achievements on stage and in academics, especially her recent performance in the school’s production of Mean Girls. They described her as a smart, gifted, and one-of-a-kind young woman who will always be remembered and loved.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, help is available at the Boys Town National Hotline at 1-800-448-3000 or by texting VOICE to 20121.