LEWISTON, Maine – This holiday season has been a difficult one for Liz Seal and her four children. On October 25, 2023, her husband Josh was one of 18 people who tragically lost their lives in a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, leaving Seal, who is deaf, and her family with deep emotional wounds that continue to linger.
Despite the pain and grief, Seal and others in the community are working together to heal and honor the memory of the shooting victims. The shooting, carried out by U.S. Army reservist Robert Card, occurred at a bowling alley and a bar, leaving 18 dead and 13 wounded before the suspect took his own life two days later.
Josh Seal, also deaf, was a beloved member of the community, serving as the director of interpreting services for The Pine Tree Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to working with disabled children and adults. His passion for ensuring access to communication for the Deaf community was well-known, and his tragic loss has deeply affected the community.
In the aftermath of the shooting, members of the Deaf community have come together to support one another, finding solace in gathering at a local bar to honor the memory of the victims. The community’s outpouring of support and the touching memorial at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, where the crowd signed “I love you” in ASL, have provided comfort to Seal and others affected by the tragedy.
Efforts are also underway to commemorate the victims and the unity of the community. The Maine Museum of Innovation, Learning, and Labor is working on an exhibit to showcase memorial items and pay tribute to those lost. Rachel Ferrante, the museum’s executive director, expressed the importance of this project in preserving the history of Lewiston and the resilience of its community.
As the Seal family continues to cope with their loss, they find moments of comfort and connection in remembering Josh, reaffirming their love for him. The road to healing and recovery for the community will be a challenging one, but the unity and support within Lewiston remain steadfast as they move forward from this tragic event.