On March 13, 1996, a devastating tragedy struck the peaceful town of Dunblane, shattering lives and leaving deep scars. A horrific mass shooting claimed the lives of many young children, leaving their parents in profound grief. For two young students and siblings, who would later become tennis stars, it was a test of bravery at an age too tender to understand the full horror. Andy Murray and Jamie Murray survived that tragic day, but the echoes of gunfire continue to haunt them. Their mother, Judy Murray, later shared their harrowing story of survival during the incident.

Sixteen children and a teacher lost their lives in the mass shooting at Dunblane Primary School. Andy and Jamie Murray’s lives were also at risk that day. Though they escaped the attack, forgetting it was impossible, especially since the shooter, Thomas Hamilton, was someone they knew from their boys’ club. Even their mother, Judy Murray, had interacted with Hamilton.

This familiarity added a profound sense of betrayal. Judy Murray described the fearful experience, telling the Mirror, “Andy’s class had been on their way to the gym. That’s how close he was to what happened. They heard the noise and someone went ahead to investigate. They came back and told all the kids to go to the headmaster’s study and the deputy head’s study.”

Jamie was already in a prefab classroom when the shooting started, while Judy Murray drove frantically to reach her children. Her only thought was, “I might not see my children again”. Thankfully, when she finally reached them, Andy and Jamie Murray had survived the devastating attack.

“He told me they thought someone was knocking on the roof with a hammer. They could hear the noise, but you’d never think of gunfire,” Judy later recounted about what Jamie told her. Although the memories of that day have somewhat faded, they are still deeply ingrained in Andy Murray’s mind.

Andy Murray describes the “tough” times of the mass-shooting incident

Andy Murray has built a successful career as a professional tennis player since turning pro in 2005. Despite many triumphs and defeats, the former World No. 1 still shudders at the memory of that horrific day. “you have no idea how tough something like that is, and then as you start to get older, you realize… It wasn’t until a few years ago I started to research it and look into it a lot, because I didn’t really want to know,” he once said.

Although he doesn’t remember much, the faded memories of “being in a classroom singing songs” still haunt him. Despite these memories, Andy Murray has never abandoned his old town, saying, “it’s just nice I’ve been able to do something that the town is proud of.”

Andy and Jamie Murray’s survival is a story of hope and resilience. Their experience highlights the enduring impact of that tragic day on the children of Dunblane, who were forever traumatized by the despicable brutality they witnessed.