Dwayne Johnson meets with Apalachee High School students during his visit to the Atlanta film set

CNN
—

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson helped bring smiles to some students at Apalachee High School, where earlier this month a gunman killed four people and wounded nine others.

On Saturday, Johnson posted a series of photos and videos to his Instagram showing his visit with students, whom Johnson identified as members of the school’s football team.

“Sometimes one of the best ways to begin the journey of healing is through our smiles, our laughter and our joy,” he wrote.

Earlier this month, 14-year-old student Colt Gray was charged with four counts of murder after prosecutors said he carried out the deadliest school shooting in the United States since the March 2023 shooting at Covenant School in Nashville. Two students and two teachers were killed, including assistant football coach Richard Aspinwall.

Gray will be tried as an adult and if convicted, faces life in prison.

His father, Colin Gray, 54, purchased the gun allegedly used in the shooting and is charged with two counts of second-degree murder, four counts of manslaughter and eight counts of child cruelty.

Johnson called the shooting an “unimaginable tragedy.”

“I didn’t know what to expect when I walked in to meet them. I was absolutely blown away by their spirit and energy,” he wrote. “I looked these kids in the eye and hugged them. I know they are in a lot of pain, but they are very resilient and remain strong.”

The meeting took place at the Atlanta studios where Johnson is currently filming a project, he said. He did not specify the title.

In a photo shared by Johnson, a sign honoring Aspinwall can be seen. It reads: “We love you Coach A.”

“I can’t imagine what these players and all the students, teachers and staff at Apalachee High are going through right now, but I am here in any way I can – to provide my support and love to them and their families as they begin their healing journey,” Johnson wrote.

Johnson said he plans to attend the team’s first home game of the season.

He added in another message: “Seeing them smiling with joy and having fun filled my heart.”

CNN has reached out to Apalachee High School for comment and further information.