Las Vegas shooting – Heartbreaking pictures reveal the victims slaughtered by Vegas gunman who killed 58
These are the faces of the innocent victims slaughtered in the worst massacre in modern US history.
A hero nurse who protected his wife and a woman who died in her husband’s arms were among at least 58 people killed during a gig in Las Vegas.
But as police race to figure out gunman Stephen Paddock’s motive, the families of victims have been left to grapple with the horror.
Sonny Melton, 29
Sonny Melton, 29, gave his life when he grabbed wife Heather by the hand and dragged her from the hail of bullets before being shot.
Grieving Heather held her husband as he lay dying on Route 91, telling “He saved my life. He grabbed me and started running when I felt him get shot in the back.
“I want everyone to know what a kind-hearted, loving man he was, but at this point, I can barely breathe.”
The couple married last year and their wedding page said: “We were the couple that never should have met, fallen in love or had a future together — but life is funny and we believe God brought us together as soul mates.”
In a Facebook post she said she had lost her “true love and knight in shining armour”, who had travelled from Big Sandy, Tennessee to make the gig.
She wrote: “At this point, I’m in complete disbelief and despair.
“Sonny was the most kind-hearted, loving man I have ever met. He saved my life and lost his.”
Jordan McIldoon, 23
Jordan McIldoon, 23, was identified as a victim on social media by a stranger who desperately tried to help him as he died in her arms.
The mechanic, from Maple Ridge, British Columbia, was at the festival with his girlfriend Amber Bereza, his parents told Canadian broadcaster .
A tribute from Heather Gooze, of Spring Valley, Nevada, read: “I am with a young man who died in my arms! RIP Jordan McIldoon from British Columbia. I can’t believe this just happened!!!”
Quinton Robbins, 20
Quinton Robbins, 20, of Henderson, Nevada was named as a victim by his aunt Kilee Wells Sanders.
Describing the University of Nevada student as “the most kind and loving soul”, she said: “Everyone who met him, loved him. His contagious laugh and smile. He was truly an amazing person. He will be missed by so many, he is loved by so many.”
“Quinton was a pay-it-forward kinda guy”, Pal Tyce Jones told Newsweek.
“Always had a smile on his face and was a nice guy. He loved his family and loved to coach his little brother’s flag football team. He will be missed.”
Denise Salmon Burditus, 50
Denise Salmon Burditus died in the arms of her husband Tony, according to heartbroken friends.
Just minutes before the shooting began she posted a photo on social media of themselves at the festival.
The couple, from West Virginia, were childhood sweethearts.
Army veteran Tony wrote on Facebook: “It saddens me to say that I lost my wife of 32 years, a mother of two, soon to be grandmother of five this evening in the Las Vegas shooting.
“Denise passed in my arms. I LOVE YOU BABE.”
Denise, 50, is seen doting on her grandchildren in online pictures.
Her heartbroken friend Denise Chambers paid tribute online, writing: “In my heart forever and always. Prayers for Tony and the family”.
Lisa Romero
School secretary Lisa Romero was named by grieving colleagues Miyamura High School in Gallup, New Mexico.
Her cousin told that she was a “happy-go-lucky person”.
Shooter Stephen Craig Paddock — who President Trump described as “pure evil” — unleashed a hail of bullets on the 20,000-strong crowd from his 32nd-floor room at the resort with an arsenal of at least 19 guns.
The 64-year-old retired accountant’s relentless killing spree continued until he shot himself moments before a SWAT team blew open the door and stormed his sniper’s nest.
Las Vegas police warned that identifying bodies will be a “long, laborious process” as investigators are continued their collection of evidence and worked to reunite people with relatives who were at the shooting site.
Authorities have set up hotlines and centres to help people track down relatives and a convention centre will likely be used for police operations.
Adrian Murfitt, 35
Alaskan Adrian Murfitt, from Anchorage, was described by friend Brian MacKinnon as “one of the happiest people” he knew, reported.
Jessica Klymchuk, 28
Jessica Klymchuk, 28, from Canada, worked as a bus driver and a librarian at St. Stephen’s School in Valleyview, Alberta.
Jessica was to marry Brent Irla. He posted a week ago: “You and me is my favourite place.”
Rachel Notley, premier of Alberta, wrote on Twitter: “Our hearts go out to the loved ones of Jessica Klymchuk, an Albertan who was killed in the Las Vegas attack.
“We are so sorry for your loss.”
Charleston Hartfield, 34
Police officer Charleston Hartfield was off duty attending the gig when he was shot dead.
The father of two, 34, a military veteran known as Chucky, had just written a book about his life on the force.
A relative said: “He gave up his life for this country, just to be taken out like this. You don’t understand. He’s got two little babies.”
He was also an American football youth coach for the local Henderson Cowboys club.
A club statement said: “Coach Hartfield touched many lives both on and off the field. He was a great man who we all lost way too early.”
Charleston was revealed as being among the victims when pal Troy Rhett tried to contact him to make sure he was safe.
“I figured he was probably busy helping others. I don’t know a better man than Charles. They say it’s always the good ones we lose early”, he told the .
Jenny Parks
Jenny Parks had attended Sunday’s Route 91 Harvest music festival with her husband and childhood sweetheart Bobby.
The mum of two, who was in her 30s, was remembered as “absolutely beautiful and very intelligent”, with her family left struggling to come to terms with their “major loss”.
Angie Gomez
Angie Gomez had only recently graduated from the Riverside Polytechnic High School PTSA in Riverside, California.
The organisation said they were “heartbroken” by the loss, saying: “She will always be loved and endeared by our Poly Family.”
Bailey Schweitzer, 20
FORMER cheerleader Bailey Schweitzer is thought to be the youngest victim of the massacre at age 20.
Bailey, who loved country music and was looking forward to seeing some of her favourite acts at the festival, was described as “the perky one” by devastated colleagues last night.
She had been a cheerleader in high school and worked as a receptionist at a software firm in Bakersfield, California, where co-workers held a candle-lit vigil in her memory.
Boss Fred Brakeman said: “No one could possibly have a bad day when Bailey was around.
“She was the perky one directing you to the staff member you needed.”
Susan Smith, 53
FRIENDS of a mother of two shot dead say they will remember her “endless smile” and “sweet spirit”.
Susan Smith, 53, an office manager at an elementary school in California, had gone to the music festival with friends.
Colleague Gayle Callaway said: “She was always such a help with her positive, can-do attitude. It was a pleasure to work with her.”
Jake Finch, from the Simi Valley United School District, added: “Everybody knew her. She touched a lot of lives.”
The PTA at Vista Fundamental Elementary School said: “She was a wonderful woman, an advocate for our children, and a friend.”
John Phippen
John Phippen, of Santa Clarita, California, was shot dead beside his wounded medic son — who was able to tend to 14 injured victims but was tragically unable to save his “amazing” dad, reported.
In a , friends remembered John as a man who had a “heart that was larger than life and a personality to match.”
Dana Gardner, 52
Dana Gardner, 52, was killed in the mass shooting, with friends remembering her as a “go-to” person.
County Clerk Bob Dutton, who worked with the 52-year-old, told : “Everybody here is still in shock. They’re waiting for (Gardner) to walk through the door.”
Rhonda LeRocque
Rhonda LeRocque, from Tewksbury, Mass., was shot dead after her father-in-law took her six-year-old daughter home from the concert and she stayed on with minister husband Jason.
Her devastated family told : “close to perfection as you can get”.
Sandra Casey, 35
Sandy Casey was a special education teacher from southern California.
She was engaged to be married, and had been attending the festival with her fiance.
Colleagues described Sandra as “devoted to her students” and “spectacular”.
Carrie Barnette, 34
Carrie Barnette worked at Disney California Adventure, with friends and family devastated by her loss.
Disney CEO Robert Iger shared a tribute to her, writing: “A senseless, horrific, act, and a terrible loss for so many. We mourn a wonderful member of the Disney family: Carrie Barnette. Tragic.”
Chris Roybal, 28
Chris Roybal was a Navy veteran, having served in the Afghanistan War.
The 28-year-old man had been with his mother, who survived the shooting.
Tom Day, 54
Thomas Allen Day Jr died in the shooting on Sunday night, having attended the concert with his four children.
His father Thomas Day Sr said: “He was the best dad. That’s why the kids were with him.”
Hannah Ahlers, 34
Hannah Ahlers, 34, had three children, aged three, 11 and 14.
The mother was shot in the head at the music festival.
Her family described her as a devoted mum, telling the : “She could have lit the world up with her smile.”
Neysa Tonks, 45
Neysa Tonks, 45, was a mother of three, with friends saying she had brought “joy, happiness, fun and laughter” to them.
The brother of Neysa said he was proud to be her brother, telling : “How happy and lucky I feel that she was part of my life.”
Jennifer Irvine, 42
Jennifer Irvine, 42, had been singing and dancing with friends during the concert when she was fatally shot.
The San Diego attorney’s friends said she was a smart, friendly and bubbly woman, with one friend telling the : “She was like a little sister.”
Rachael Parker, 33
Rachael Parker, 33, worked as a records technician for Manhattan Beach police.
The woman was one of four Manhattan Beach police employees who were off-duty and attending the concert.
The department said she would be “greatly missed”.
Jack Beaton
Jack Beaton had travelled to the festival to celebrate his 23rd wedding anniversary.
But the night turned to tragedy when the shooting started, with the dad reportedly jumping in front of his wife Laurie to save her from the hail of bullets.
Jack’s father-in-law Jerry Cook told : “He put Laurie on the ground and covered her with his body and he got shot I don’t know how many times.
“She knew he was dying. He told her he loved her. Laurie could tell he was slipping. She told him she loved him and she would see him in heaven.”
His son wrote a tribute on Twitter, saying his dad was a “true hero”.
Kurt Von Tillow, 55
Kurt Von Tillow was shot dead while at the festival on Sunday night.
The 55-year-old, from California, was with his wife at the time of the shooting, with family and friends already holding a vigil in his memory.
The family led a procession of golf carts from his local Country Club to his home.
Brennan Stewart, 30
Brennan Stewart, of Vegas, is confirmed to have died in the massacre.
Friends paid tribute to the man, saying he had saved his girlfriend’s life in the chaos.
One said: “Prayers for peace, healing and love for Gia Iantuono. RIP to her boyfriend Brennan Stewart who is a true hero.
“He saved her life last night at the tragic events in Las Vegas.as he lost his.”
Melissa Ramirez
Friends have confirmed that Melissa Ramirez, of California, was killed in the attack.
One write wrote: “Lost for words…. a beautiful soul We grew up together shared a lot of milestones…. I think from all the people I know you had one of the kindest most purest hearts !
“I’m in shock…. you will be missed Melissa Ramirez !”
Cameron Robinson
Cameron Robinson had been at the concert with his boyfriend when the shooting unfolded.
In a , his family said: “Today we lost an amazing friend, son, brother, uncle, cousin, coworker and boyfriend to the senseless, horrible tragedy of the Las Vegas shooting.
“He was full of life and love and so much passion.
“Between his love to cook and amazing dance moves there was always good times. He was such a caring, giving and loving man.”
Victor Link, 52
Victor Link, 52, was a music lover and often travelled to see concerts.
He was one of the 58 killed in the attack.
His family told : “It’s hard to grasp that he’s gone.”
Dorene Anderson, 49
Dorene Anderson was named as one of the victims in the attack.
In a tribute, friend Gayle Simmons White said: “Dorene was the most beautiful, kind and giving woman I have ever known. She loved her husband and girls with a passion we could never match.
“I admired her every action action. She was an angel on earth and will forever walk in our lives.”
Denise Cohen, 58
Denise Cohen’s family paid tribute to the 58-year-old, saying they took comfort in seeing the last photo of her was her smiling with friend Derrick Bo Taylor, who was also killed.
Friend Leana Orsua told she had received a message from one of Denise’s sons, which read: “Our mother was such a strong beautiful and happy woman who made a difference to the lives of everyone she knew.
“She was such a happy person and enjoyed doing the things in life that she loved. We can see by the last photo of her that she was indeed happy and with a person that loves her, Bo.”
Derrick ‘Bo’ Taylor, 56
Derrick Bo Taylor was a California, correctional lieutenant, heading to the festival with Denise Cohen.
Sierra Conservation Center warden Joel Martinez wrote in a memo to staff: “There are no words to express the feeling of loss and sadness regarding Bo’s passing.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Austin Davis
Austin Davis was with a friend and her family when he was fatally shot.
Friend Katelyn Hood said the young man, who was killed alongside family friend Tom Day Jr, had a contagious smile.
She said: “He worked so very hard and took the most pride in that and anything he did.”
Laura Shipp, 50
Laura Shipp was with her son when they were separated during the shooting.
The single mother’s brother confirmed her death, saying that her son had been the “light of her life”.
Brian Fraser, 39
Father-of-four Brian Fraser was watching Jason Aldean perform at the concert when he was fatally shot.
In a tribute and , his family said: “A bigger than life man taken far too soon.
“Brian was a rock of love and support to his family.”
Heather Warino Alvarado, 35
Heather Warino Alvarado was a mother of three killed in the Route 91 festival attack.
The 35-year-old had travelled to Las Vegas with her daughter, who wasn’t hurt.
She was married to Cedar City Firefighter Albert Alvarado, with the station’s chief Mike Phillips telling the : “There’s no question that we are going to feel the soreness and loss from this senseless act of violence from this coward for years to come.”
Stacee Etcheber
Stacee Etcheber was remembered as a “wonderful, caring wife, mother, daughter and friend” after it was revealed she was one of the more than 50 killed in the attack.
She had been with her husband, San Francisco Police Officer Vinnie Etcheber, at the time of the gun massacre, who told her to run.
, aged 10 and 12.
Erick Silva, 21
Erick Silva, 21, was caught up in the massacre, desperately trying to help others as they were shot at.
The young security was one of the first to respond to the attack, but tragically died,
Calla Medig, 28
Calla Medig loved country music, heading to Las Vegas for the concert.
But she was tragically killed in the massacre, with friend Lyndsay Perham : “She was just an all-around good person.
“She was a loyal friend.”
Michelle Vo, 32
Michelle Vo, was hit by one of the hundreds of bullets that hailed down on the Route 91 festival crowds – just yards from a Kody Robertson, a man she had just met.
The man didn’t give up searching for her after putting her on a truck destined for hospital, desperately hunting for news until he found out what had happened.
Bill Wolfe Jr
Bill Wolfe was remembered as a “class act” after his death at the concert.
He worked for Carl Bert & Associates as a professional engineer, with the president : “Bill was truly a leader with the vision to see and implement all aspects of projects.
“He was personable, fun, easy to work with, very professional, who led other staff and connected very well with clients and municipalities.”
Kelsey Meadows
Kelsey Meadows was paid tribute to as a “gifted teacher” who was passionate about her work.
The teacher and Fresno State alumna was killed in the Las Vegas attack, remembered as a hard worker and gifted student.
The names and faces of those killed in the horrific massacre comes as police desperately try to figure out what motivated gunman Stephen Paddock to unleash hundreds of bullets onto the innocent crowd.
Killer Paddock was a millionaire retired accountant who flew small planes and had no criminal record, authorities said.
Horrifying video from Sunday night’s attack showed blood-soaked concert-goers running in terror from the Route 91 country music festival after hundreds of rounds were fired from a nearby Mandalay Bay Resort Casino balcony.
Pictures emerged showed two smashed in windows at the luxury resort from where Paddock fired off a hail of deadly gunfire.
Over a period of more than a minute at least four separate bursts of sustained gunfire from a high-powered assault rifle were heard as hundreds of deadly rounds were unleashed into the crowd, which included children.
Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May said she was not aware of any British casualties, saying: “At the moment, I don’t believe there were any British casualties, but there were certainly British people in the area who will have witnessed what was absolutely an appalling attack, completely senseless, random attack, by an individual who I understand had quite an arsenal of weapons in the hotel room.”
The death toll in the devastating attack, which began to unfold just after 10pm on Sunday night local time, surpasses the Orlando shooting at the Pulse nightclub last year, which saw 49 people killed.
What we know so far:
– At least 58 people are dead and more than 527 are injured, making the attack the worst in US history
– The shooter has been named by police as Stephen Craig Paddock, 64, who was firing from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort Casino, and who was found dead
– Police now believe they have found Marilou Danley, 62, a woman believed to have been the roommate of Paddock
– 22,000 people had been attending the Route 91 country music festival, listening to Jason Aldean perform when the shots rang out just after 10pm on Sunday
– US President Trump has slammed the attack as “pure evil”, urging Americans to come together in solidarity
– Flights have been delayed with terrified crowds having run for cover to the McCarran International Airport
– Among the dead include a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer who was off duty. Two on-duty officers were also injured
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