Tameris and Natalia - Student and Teacher

This is the story of a heroic art teacher and a 10 year-old student named Tameris. In the overcrowded school gym, suffering from hunger and thirst, little Tameris waited each minute for release. In spite of the heat, she did not remove her best dress. On the second day of the crisis, she lost consciousness several times, and on the third day she was barely alive. After the first explosion, a young art teacher, named Natalia, attempted to rescue little Tameris. She took the child in her arms and ran. After the second explosion, they were both killed. Photos of the fifth-grade student,Tameris ,were posted for about a month in Beslan with the stamp "Missing". It took one month until results arrived from Rostov, where DNA tests were being conducted, to confirm that she had died at the school. Upon hearing the news, Tameris’ grandfather, Sakhangeri, was hospitalized as a result of suffering a severe heart attack. Tameris's elder sister, Amaga, was rescued, and she is now being treated in Moscow.

Elena - Big Family Left as Three

Prior to the hostage taking, Elena worked at the House of Children's Creative Work. "On September 1, 2004, we arrived on the festive meeting at Beslan School No.1. Our grandmother, Nadezhda, had worked in the school for more than 40 years as a biology teacher. Her grandchildren (in the foreground of the photo) attended the school, as well. Nastya was in the 4th grade, and Sasha was in the 3rd. As a result of seizing the school by terrorists, we were among the hostages. For the entire time, we were together. Nastya carried water in her mouth for me. Nadezhda helped those children who were without parents. As a result of explosion, Nadezhda, her daughter Natasha, Natasha's son Sasha (on the photo to the right), her granddaughter and my daughter Nastya were killed. I, Elena (on the left), was the only one who survived. I thank all, who helped us in the difficult minutes!" Elena's husband, who was working that September 1 day, and a four year-old son Artem was in a kindergarten and therefore, not taken hostage.