On October 27, 2023, a gunman tragically claimed the lives of 18 innocent individuals, four of whom were Deaf. While this wasn’t an attack targeting the Deaf community, it certainly devastated them nonetheless. Deaf people are brought together by a shared language, culture, and most importantly: a sense of understanding. And when a part of their community was attacked, the effect rippled.
Deafness isn’t a disability, it isn’t shameful, and it definitely isn’t a weakness. Yet the Deaf community still has to fight incredibly hard just to be visible and have basic access to communication and crucial information. They must band together to support each other when no one else will. But when an attack, especially one so detrimental and violent as this, is made on the community, it is especially difficult for them to bounce back or even gain awareness.
The Deaf community is grieving the loss of four strong, resilient, and crucial lives:
Joshua Seal (36): An ASL interpreter and pivotal figure for Deaf people in Maine during the COVID-19 pandemic. He appeared on television with former Maine CDC director Dr. Nirav Shah, interpreting his vital messages. This information was essential for everyone to know and Seal stepped up to ensure that the Deaf community was not forgotten about. Not only that, but Seal was the creator of the Pine Tree Society, Maine’s first and only summer camp for the deaf and hard of hearing. He was committed to inclusion and making sure that Deaf people had equitable access to essential healthcare knowledge and, again, that sense of community, fighting the isolation Deaf people often face. Joshua Seal was a Deaf icon, interpreter, husband, father, and now another life lost to gun violence.
Stephen Vozzella (45): Stephen Vozella was also an active member of the Deaf community; a part of the New England Deaf Biker Group, the National Softball Association for the Deaf, and a corn hole league in Lewiston, Maine, with many of his Deaf friends, all at different points in his life. He worked as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Boston and Lewiston. Stephen Vozzella was a beloved, charismatic, father, husband, uncle, twin, and now another life lost to gun violence.
William “Billy” Brackett (48): William Brackett was known as the “Silent Giant” for his cornhole and darts skills. Not only that but he was an incredibly talented basketball, baseball, and soccer player in his youth. He attended Gallaudet prep school and went on to become a package handler in Lewiston, working for FedEx. William “Billy” Brackett was a loving and adored father, husband, brother, friend, and now another life lost to gun violence.
Bryan MacFarlane (41): Bryan MacFarlane was an ambitious, persistent, hard worker. After being told no and being shut out by many driving schools he persevered and became the first Deaf person to earn a commercial driver’s license in Vermont. This was a dream come true for him and his passion for his work was unmatched. He was a big outdoorsman and loved to explore and connect with new people, never letting a communication barrier deter him from anything he wanted. Bryan MacFarlane was an adventurous and ambitious son, brother, dog owner, and now another life lost to gun violence.
On October 27, 2023, all four of these innocent Deaf individuals gathered together to play their weekly cornhole tournament at Schemengees Bar & Grille. And on October 27, 2023, all four of these lives were stolen by a reckless gunman. How many more lives will be stolen? How many more communities will be shattered? How many more guns will be sold before the message becomes clear enough: Guns destroy lives.