Las Vegas Shooting Victims Remembered: Photos, Stories

Shattering Loss

They came to the Las Vegas strip expecting a fun evening to cap off a fun weekend: The Route 91 Harvest Festival, an outdoor country music event, was at the end of its third day and Jason Aldean was performing the closing set — then bullets began slicing through the air.

Police said 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, of Mesquite, Nevada, opened fire that Sunday night on the crowd of more than 22,000 from his 32nd-floor hotel room at the nearby Mandalay Bay casino, where he had been staying for several days.

In total, 59 people were killed in the shooting and more than 700 others were injured, either by gunfire or in the ensuing chaos. (Paddock shot himself as authorities closed in.)

Wednesday marks the three-year anniversary of the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history.

Here is a look back at the slain victims — their hopes and dreams, how they were remembered by loved ones — based on PEOPLE's reporting and other news articles in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.

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LISA ROMERO

A high school secretary in Gallup, New Mexico, Romero was a "happy-go-lucky person," her cousin Ashley told the Huffington Post.

"She loved her kids and husband. And for this to happen so senselessly. It's a heartbreaking day for us all," Ashley said.

Romero was beloved at Miyamura High School, Louise Leslie, whose 14-year-old great-granddaughter attended the school, told the Washington Post.

"She was always telling my granddaughter to stay out of trouble and get somewhere and do the right thing — she was a good friend of hers," Leslie said, adding that on the following Monday at school "everyone was crying."

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SONNY MELTON

Melton, a 29-year-old registered nurse from Big Sandy, Tennessee, reportedly saved his wife's life before he was killed.

"He grabbed me and started running when I felt him get shot in the back," his wife, Dr. Heather Gulish Melton, reportedly told local radio station WZTV. "I want everyone to know what a kind-hearted, loving man he was, but at this point, I can barely breathe."

Heather and Sonny worked together at Henry County Medical Center in Paris, Tennessee.

"At this point, I'm in complete disbelief and despair," she said. "I don't know what to say. ... He saved my life and lost his."

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JORDAN MCILLDOON

jordan-mcIldoon — Jordan McIldoon/Facebook

McIlldoon, a resident of British Columbia, Canada, died in the arms of a festival worker.

Heather Gooze, a bartender at the festival, was holding McIlldoon's hand when his mother called. She picked up the phone and learned his name, and also learned that his girlfriend Amber, was also at the festival.

Gooze got in touch with Amber, who was heartbroken to hear that McIlldoon didn't make it.

"No, that can't be true," Amber said. "He's the love of my life."

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CHARLESTON HATFIELD

Hatfield was an off-duty police officer with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and a military veteran — as well as a dedicated youth football coach.

"He was a great guy," friend Moe Tuinei-Fiaseu told PEOPLE. "He was a great father, coach, friend and really loved his Henderson Cowboys boys," adding he was "like a father" to his players.

In July he published a memoir called "Memoirs of A Public Service," about his personal interactions being a police officer in Las Vegas.

Troy Rhett, a close friend of Hartfield's, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he sent him a text message late Sunday night, "hoping he would text me back."

"I figured he was probably busy helping others," said Rhett. "I don't know a better man than Charles. They say it's always the good ones we lose early. There's no truer statement than that with Charles."

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RACHAEL PARKER

Parker, a civilian employee of the Manhattan Beach Police Department in California, attended the concert with some of her colleagues.

The 33-year-old was shot and taken to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries. One other member of her group was shot but survived, department spokesperson Officer Kristie Colombo told PEOPLE.

Parker, a Police Records Technician, was with the department for 10 years.

"We're just in shock," Colombo said. "We all just feel like we're in a daze, it's heartbreaking and surreal that this happened. So many people in so many places across the U.S either know somebody that was there and witnessed this or was injured or lost their life. It's tragic."

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JENNY PARKS

Parks, a mother of two, attended the concert with her husband, Bobby. Bobby was shot in the arm and survived, but Jenny was killed.

"They were high school sweethearts," said Bobby's uncle, Dr. Steven McCarthy. "When we met Jenny we all fall in love with her."

Jenny, who just got her master's in education in May, was teaching elementary school in Lancaster, California, where she lived with her husband and two children. Their oldest, Bryce, had just started high school and Lea was in elementary school.

Said McCarthy, "They were the perfect family."

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JOHN PHIPPEN

Leah Nagyivanyi told PEOPLE that Phippen, her longtime friend, was killed Sunday night while dancing alongside his son, Travis, who is an EMT.

Travis, who was also shot but survived, tried to save his dad, but couldn't.

"John was a great example of what a good man and a good person is," Nagyivanyi said. "He was the last person who should have left this Earth. He was the kind of guy who always had your back and always made sure you had a beer in your hand."

John leaves six children behind. "Now, he will be everyone's angel," Nagyivanyi said.

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ADRIAN MURFITT

Murfitt, 35, a commercial fisherman born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, loved country music.

"He was a big country music fan and he would always walk around singing country songs and he had a beautiful voice," his sister, Shannon Gothard, told PEOPLE. "He decided to treat himself for a good [fishing] season with a trip to Las Vegas and the concert."

A few weeks before the festival, Murfitt bought tickets for him and a friend, Brian MacKennon.

"His friends and family always came first. I mean, if he had 20 bucks, 10 of it was yours. He's always like that. He goes so far out of his way to make other people happy," MacKennon said.

According to MacKennon, Murfitt was shot in the neck and died in his arms. His family says they are still in shock but are thankful their loved one was with a friend.

"I'm going to miss him every day, every minute," Gothard said. "I'm just glad he was there and had somebody there who loved him."

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SUSAN SMITH

Smith was well known and loved in her community.

The 53-year-old had worked for the Simi Valley Unified School District for 16 years and was a member of the PTA while her two children were in school, according to school officials.

For the last three years, Smith was the office manager of Visty Elementary School, where she was "the center of the school," Jake Finch, district spokeswoman told PEOPLE.

"She was the one kids would go to when they're sick, she's helping to make sure all supplies are in place, all the schedules are set ... there are so many parts to her job," Finch said.

As her colleagues learned of her death, counselors were on hand to speak with both teachers and students, who made cards for her family and left flowers at her desk.

"It was a very somber day," Finch said. "No hugs were off-limits."

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SANDRA CASEY

When she wasn't teaching at Manhattan Beach Middle School, Casey could be found out with friends, traveling with her fiancé or playing on her local women's soccer team.

"She was so positive," teammate Jenny Williamson-Pagan told PEOPLE. "She was in such a good place in her life."

Casey was a special education teacher at the California middle school for nine years and hailed from Vermont, Williamson-Pagan said.

She lived with her fiancé in Redondo Beach and loved being outside whether it be hiking or going to the beach. The couple traveled often, most recently to Scotland, Williams-Pagan said.

"[Casey] is loved by students and colleagues alike and will be remembered for her sense of humor, her passion for her work, her devotion to her students, and her commitment to continuing her own learning and to taking on whatever new projects came her way," Manhattan Beach Unified School District Superintendent Michael Matthews said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

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CARRIE BARNETTE

Barnette was "beloved by her friends and colleagues" at Disneyland's California Adventure in Anaheim, California, according to Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, who sent a company-wide email informing cast members of Barnette's death.

The 34-year-old, who was a native of Riverside, California, and a graduate of Pacifica High School in Garden Grove, California, worked at Flo's V-8 Cafe in Cars Land.

"Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the tragic events in Las Vegas — the victims of violence, the witnesses, and the friends and families mourning loved ones," Iger said in his statement to employees.

"A loving sister daughter aunt and friend was taken away far too early during the Las Vegas massacre a family is never prepared for a tragedy like this," read a description with an online fundraiser to help pay for her funeral expenses.

Barnette's cousin, Janice Chambers, spoke with The Arizona Republic, describing her as the "life of the party."

"We are in shock and devastated. She was a beautiful soul," Chambers said. "She lived her life to the fullest, adored her family niece and new nephew. She was a beauty inside and out, loved life and making others smile. She was very adventurous, loved to travel. Heaven gained a beautiful angel."

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HANNAH AHLERS

Hannah Lassette Ahlers, 35, was a mother of three from Beaumont, Calif.

"She was a sweet soul who could light up a room the moment she walked in," her family said in a statement.

Father-in-law Dave Ahlers told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that Ahlers came to the festival with her husband Brian and three other couples, Dave said. She and Brian had three children, ages 3, 11 and 14.

Dave described Hannah as a "loving, caring and devoted mother," and said she'd always make time to help family and friends in difficult times, describing her as a "young Mary Tyler Moore."

Her friend, Sunni Almond, told the Los Angeles Times that she "was possibly one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen, with a heart to match."

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NEYSA TONKS

Tonks was a mom of three boys, according to a GoFundMe page created in her honor.

Her former church counselor Tracy Downey described her to the Las Vegas Review-Journal as "a very nice woman who was full of life and energy."

According to the Los Angeles Times, she worked for Technologoent, a technology company based in Irvine, California.

A company employee wrote on the GoFundMe page that Tonks was "a great mother, colleague and friend."

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THOMAS DAY JR.

A devoted father, 54-year-old Day Jr., attended the Route 91 Harvest Festival with all four of his adult children Sunday night.

"His kids are with me right now. They're crushed," Day's father, Thomas Day Sr., told the Los Angeles Times.

The elder Day told the Times he received a phone call around 11 p.m. Sunday night alerting him that his son was among those killed at the concert.

Day Jr. lived in Riverside, California, and worked as a home builder, according to the Orange County Register.

"He was the best dad," Day Sr. told the Times. "That's why his kids were with him."

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DANA GARDNER

Gardner, of Grand Terrace, California, traveled to the Harvest Festival with one of her daughters, her boss, Bob Dutton, told the Los Angeles Times.

Initially wounded in the gunfire, Gardner's daughter traveled with her mother in the ambulance to a local trauma center. Her colleagues learned of her death the following morning.

"You never think it's going to be someone you know until it is," Dutton told the Times.

Gardner worked under Dutton as deputy recorder-clerk in San Bernadino County, California, which was the site of another mass shooting in December 2015 that left 14 dead and 22 wounded.

"She was one of my go-to people," Dutton said. "If you needed advice or questions came up, she had the answer. She was my go-to person."

Dutton told the San Bernardino Sun that he was told Gardner was shot once in the chest and once in the arm.

"Everybody here is still in shock, Dutton told the Sun. "They're waiting for her to walk through the door."

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JESSICA KLYMCHUK

The 34-year-old mother of four from northern Alberta, Canada, worked as an educational assistant, librarian and bus driver at a local Catholic school her kids attended.

"She leaves to mourn four children who all attend St. Stephen's and her new husband," Betty Turpin, superintendent of the Holy Family Catholic Regional Division, said in a message to trustees, per the CBC. "She has been an employee of HFCRD for four years. Please keep the staff and students of St. Stephen's and her family in your prayers."

The Los Angeles Times reported that Klymchuk was in Las Vegas with her new husband, Brent Irla, when gunfire broke out. A family friend told the outlet that Irla was by her side when she died Monday morning.

Rev. Abraham Joseph of St. Rita's Catholic Church told the CBC Klymchuk "was loved by the kids" and described her as a "lovely person" who was popular at the school.

"All the teachers were crying" in the staff room when they were told what happened, Joseph said.

He also told the CBC students gathered in the school gym the Monday after the shooting and were informed of the tragedy.

"It was really a shock to the kids," he said.

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DENISE BURDITUS

Denise and Tony Burditus were sweethearts at Hedgesville High School in Berkeley County, West Virginia. The couple married and started a family while Tony had a career in the Army.

Denise, a mom of two, was an avid Seattle Seahawks fan who seemed to dote on her four grandchildren in her social media photos.

After her death, Tony's shared his grief 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," Tony Burditus wrote. "Denise passed in my arms. I LOVE YOU BABE."

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ANGELA GOMEZ

The 20-year-old graduated from California's Riverside Poly High School in 2015, where she was remembered as a "fun-loving young lady with a great sense of humor," the school district wrote on its Facebook page while confirming her death.

"Angie was a hard-worker who always challenged herself academically, and after graduation she went on to attend classes at Riverside Community College. Angie was a loyal friend who loved her family and will be forever missed by all who knew her," the district also wrote in its post.

A friend started a GoFundMe page and said Gomez was part of the Poly Cheer Squad.

"She was a cheerful young lady with a warm heart and loving spirit. Angie's life was cut short when she succumbed to injuries sustained in the Las Vegas Route 91 shooting. This senseless act of violence has rocked our Poly Cheer and Song family."

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JENNIFER TOPAZ IRVINE

jennifer-topaz-irving — Jennifer Irvine/Facebook

A friend of the 42-year-old San Diego attorney wrote on Facebook that Irvine was "holding hands with her girlfriends singing and dancing to country music when she was shot in the head."

The friend, Kyle Kraska, also told the San Diego Union-Tribune that Irving "was like a little sister. I just adore Jen."

In addition to owning her own law practice, Irvine reportedly earned a black belt in Taekwondo and her interests included yoga and snowboarding.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Thomas Slattery, a fellow attorney, wrote on his Facebook page: "My good friend, colleague, and business partner Jennifer Irvine was killed by a madman at the festival in Las Vegas. A tragic loss of a kind, generous, and beautiful lady. She will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Topaz."

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CHRISTOPHER ROYBAL

Roybal, a 29-year-old military veteran who served in Afghanistan, met his mom, Debby Allen, at the show but the two were on opposite sides of the stage when the gunfire began.

Allen — who was in Las Vegas to celebrate Roybal's upcoming 29th birthday — arrived separately at the concert from her son because he had taken a nap.

When she arrived she texted to meet up. "Baby, where are you? Send me your location," she wrote him, according to the New York Daily News. Allen never got a response and soon heard the gunfire.

"I was trying to run towards wherever I thought he might be," she told the newspaper. "This man wouldn't let me — he kept pulling me away saying, 'You can't run towards the gunfire.'"

A few hours later, she heard from her daughter that a firefighter — who was near Roybal - saw him fall to the ground after being shot.

"He said he rendered first aid but saw the life go out of my son," she said. "I feel like I'm living in a nightmare, I want to wake up so badly."

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RHONDA LEROCQUE

LeRocque was attending the Jason Aldean concert with her husband, father-in-law and young daughter when shots rang out, according to her family.

"She had a very gentle voice. When she spoke she spoke very gently, [never] angry," relative Chrissy Welch told PEOPLE. "[Rhonda] always came through like an angel."

Welch said LeRocque was celebrating her 21st wedding anniversary with a family trip to Las Vegas.

LeRocque worked for IDEO, a Cambridge design firm, and was a devout Jehovah's Witness.

"She was very devoted to her family and her husband," Welch said. "She always wanted to know how you were doing, what was going on, if there was anything she could help with."

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QUINTON ROBBINS

The 20-year-old Henderson, Nevada, native was among those killed on the Las Vegas strip Sunday night, reported the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Robbins' aunt, Kilee Wells Sanders, also confirmed his death on Facebook: "With an incredibly heavy heart. My sweetest nephew has passed away. He was the most kind and loving soul. 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."

The recent high school graduate worked with the city of Henderson as a lead recreational assistant, the Review-Journal reported.

Cousin Felicia Walker also set up a GoFundMe page in his honor, writing, "He had a beautiful soul filled with a radiating light. That light was shared with everyone he came in contact with. He had this contagious laugh and a wonderful smile that he was always quick to give. He also was a man of many talents. He excelled at so much in life. Everyone who met him, loved him."

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BAILEY SCHWEITZER

Colleagues of 20-year-old Schweitzer, who worked for Infinity Communications, placed a single candle on her reception desk after learning about her death, according to the Bakersfield Californian.

"She was everything to us," Amie Campbell, who hired Schweitzer, told the outlet.

Colleague and friend Katelynn Cleveland said Schweitzer was an avid country music fan who was looking forwards to attending the Route 91 Harvest Festival for weeks to hear Luke Combs play — and was already planning her 21st birthday bash in Vegas next April.

"Bailey was always the ray of sunshine in our office on a cloudy day," said Infinity Communications Chief Executive Fred Brakeman told the Los Angeles Times. "No one could possibly have a bad day when Bailey was around.

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ROCIO GUILLEN ROCHA

Her sons described Rocha, of Eastvale, California, as a "loving" woman "who did everything she could for anyone who needed help."

The 40-year-old mother of 4 died in a hail of gunfire Sunday night during the concert massacre in Las Vegas. Her son, Marcus, 18, told PEOPLE Rocha was a "fighter" who spent a year learning to walk again after the birth of his little brother, Christopher, 13, left her paralyzed from the waist down.

Rocha, a runner who regularly completed half-marathons, also reveled in watching her sons' basketball, football and baseball games and often called out the referees and umpired whenever she felt as if they botched a call.

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AUSTIN COOPER MEYER

Meyer, from Marina, California, was celebrating his 24th birthday with his girlfriend in Las Vegas when he was shot and killed.

"Austin was attending the festival with his girlfriend, Dana, as a surprise celebrating his 24th birthday and upcoming anniversary," his sister, Veronica, told TV station KSBW.

"[He] was a joy to be around," Veronica added. "He always had a smile on his face, was [witty] and was always making people laugh. He was passionate about cars, loved sports, basketball in particular, and his favorite team [was] the Boston Celtics."

Meyer had moved to Reno, Nevada, to study at Truckee Meadows Community College, according to KSBW. He was working at a Costco in Sparks, Nevada, according to a GoFundMe page set up by a coworker.

He was hoping to earn a degree in transportation technologies.

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STACEE ANN ETCHEBER

Etcheber, a mom and hair stylist in Novato, California, was the wife of a San Francisco police officer.

"With heavy hearts, the San Francisco Police Department today mourns the passing of Stacee Etcheber," San Francisco Police Chief William Scott said in a statement on Tuesday morning, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "Stacee was taken in a senseless act of violence as her husband, SFPD Officer Vinnie Etcheber, heroically rushed to aid shooting victims in Las Vegas on Sunday."

In the midst of the gunfire, Etcheber, 50, told her husband to run as he stayed behind to help the wounded. The next day, her brother-in-law Al Etcheber and some of his brother's colleagues went to Las Vegas to search hospitals hoping they'd find her alive.

"Please pray for our family during this difficult time," Al posted on Facebook. "She leaves behind two adoring beautiful children and an amazing husband."

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KERI GALVAN

Galvan, 31, loved raising her three children.

"She lived and breathed being a mother," a close friend told PEOPLE. "Her family is her entire world."

Galvan attended the festival with her husband and friends, her sister Lindsey Poole wrote on a GoFundMe page launched to help pay for funeral expenses.

She left behind her three kids, ages 10, 4 and 2, as well as her husband, her sister and her parents.

"[They're] just trying to pick up the pieces and take care of the kids as best they can," the friend said.

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CHRISTIANA DUARTE

A recent graduate of the University of Arizona, Duarte had just started her career in marketing landing her dream job with the Los Angeles Kings hockey team.

Duarte, 22, was also a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority, an organization that shared a photo of her on Monday and asked anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact them. Sadly she was later confirmed to be one of the 58 killed Sunday.

A statement released by the University of Arizona on Tuesday to all students and alumni confirmed the news of her death and expressed their condolences.

"This attack is a terrible tragedy for hundreds of families, and it is a shocking and horrific event for all of us. I know I speak for the UA community in expressing our deepest condolences for Christiana's family and in asking for their privacy to be respected," the statement read.

She is survived by her family, which includes her father, L.A. County Deputy District Attorney Michael Duarte, and brother Mikey Duarte, a Chicago White Sox minor league baseball player.

A GoFundMe page for her family was created by a family friend, describing her as "a bright beautiful young woman, full of life and energy."

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JACK REGINALD BEATON

jack-beaton-1-2000 — Jack Beaton Facebook

Beaton and his wife, Laurie, were celebrating their 23rd wedding anniversary listening to live country music while drinking beers with their friends before bullets rained down on them.

The 54-year-old Bakersfield, California, native protected his wife by putting his own body on top of hers amidst the chaos of gunfire.

"He told me, 'Get down, get down, get down,' " Laurie told the Associated Press. "He told me, 'I love you, Laurie,' and his arms were around me and his body just went heavy on me."

Laurie opened up to the AP about her husband's death with the purpose of wanting people to hear how he had protected her, just as he always had done. "I knew every day that he would protect me and take care of me and love me unconditionally, and what he did is no surprise to me, and he is my hero," she said.

He is survived by his wife Laurie, son Jake and a daughter.

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy paid tribute to Jack during a news conference. "Jack Beaton is a father of two and he was celebrating his 23rd wedding anniversary with his wife. When the shots rang out, he jumped in front of his wife and he gave the ultimate sacrifice for the one he loved," McCarthy said.

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KURT ALLEN VON TILLOW

Von Tillow's brother-in-law, Mark Carson, told TV station KCRA, "My brother-in-law was the most patriotic person you've ever met." Carson added, "Guarantee you, he was covered in red, white and blue, with a Coors Light in his hand, smiling with his family and listening to some music."

Von Tillow, 55, was from Cameron Park, California, and friends and family remembered him at the Cameron Park Country Club — where he was a member — with a large procession of golf carts going from the club to his home, according to the news station.

"He loved to golf, loved his club, loved his family, loved his country," Carson said. "He'll be really missed."

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ANDREA LEE ANNA CASTILLA

AndreaCastilla — Courtesy Castilla Family

The weeklong trip to Las Vegas to spend time with her boyfriend and visit her sister was a 28th birthday present to herself, but there was one thing still ahead that Castilla didn't know about when a sniper's bullet ended her life: Her boyfriend planned to propose marriage.

"He told me after she had passed," her sister told PEOPLE of her conversation with Derek Miller.

Miller and Castilla had dated for seven months and lived together in Huntington Beach, California.

"[Miller] told me, 'I was planning on asking her this weekend with you guys. … We talked about spending the rest of our lives together.' "

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BRENNAN LEE STEWART

Brennan-Stewart — Courtesy Family of Brennan Stewart

In a statement to PEOPLE, Stewart's family said the 30-year-old "was the kind of guy who always put others before himself; including up to the moment he lost his life, Brennan shielded his girlfriend and helped others to safety.

"Las Vegas was his hometown, his love for country music was shown through the songs that he wrote, and the music he played on his guitar. Brennan rarely missed an opportunity to attend a country concert.

"Brennan made close friends quickly; was loved and will be missed greatly by family and friends, but his memory will live on."

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MICHELLE VO

Vo, 32, had a knack for turning strangers into friends.

"She could strike up a conversation with anyone," said Michelle's older sister, Cathy Vo, 34. "She was full of energy and always on the go. She really enjoyed life."

About two years ago, Michelle discovered country music and began attending concerts in small venues, Cathy told PEOPLE. When she heard about the Route 91 Festival in Las Vegas, she knew she had to go.

An experienced traveler — she spent three months couch-surfing across Europe — Michelle left her Los Angeles home for a solo trip to Las Vegas. She struck up a friendship with Kody Robertson, from Columbus, Ohio, who threw himself on top of Michelle after she was shot in the chest and then stayed in touch with her family throughout the horrific night.

"If you were in her life, she definitely changed you. She knocked you over with all of the love and goodness she had in her," Cathy said. "She was incredible."

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CALLA-MARIE MEDIG

Medig, a 28-year-old Canadian, was recently promoted to a manager position at her job and was planning to soon return to Edmonton, Alberta, to begin the new role.

"She was fun-loving, responsible, dedicated, hardworking. I don't know what to say about her, honestly. It's just a huge loss for us," Scott Collingwood, a general manager at Moxies Bar/Grill, told The Las Vegas Review-Journal.

This was Medig's third year attending the country music festival, said Collingwood. Medig planned to attend every year going forward.

"I'm going to say most of us almost don't believe it's true," Collingwood said. "We're being told it's true. I know somebody said earlier they're expecting her to walk through the door tomorrow and yeah, I am, too."

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DENISE COHEN

Cohen, 58, had the sort of smile that could light up a room, according to her sister, Kristal Vogel.

The mother-of-two, slain during the Las Vegas concert massacre, had a joyful heart in the hours leading up to her death.

"She was so happy to be at that concert," Vogel says. "She was never home. She was always the first one to go out at night and the last one home. She had a free spirit."

Cohen worked as a saleswoman and her charm helped her excel at work. "She could sell snow to an Eskimo," Vogel told PEOPLE.

Cohen was the girlfriend of Derrick "Bo" Taylor, a commander with the California Department of Corrections, who was also killed in the attack.

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Derrick DEAN "BO" TAYLOR

The California Department of Corrections confirmed Taylor's death at the age of 56.

I visited the camp 'Bo' Taylor managed and it was so uplifting to hear the stories from staff that clearly exemplified him as a well-liked and respected man, not only as a leader but as a friend," CDCR Secretary Scott Kernan said in a news release.

"He devoted nearly 30 years to our Department and served us well. I extend my warmest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues."

Taylor was the boyfriend of Denise Cohen, another fatal victim of the attack.

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BRIAN FRASER

To his family and friends, Fraser, 39, was the "ultimate dad."

"[He was] the most loving and caring, loyal, driven man and husband that there possibly was," Nicholas Arellano, his son, told PEOPLE. "What I learned from him is how to be a true man."

Fraser — who left behind his wife and four children, ages 4, 10, 17 and 25 — attended the Route 91 festival with his family, including Arellano, and some friends. He was with his wife, Stephanie, and their daughter-in-law when he was fatally shot. They had made it to the front of the stage for his favorite Jason Aldean song, "Dirt Road Anthem," his family wrote on a GoFundMe page set up to help pay for funeral expenses.

Despite having a demanding job as vice president of sales at a Southern California mortgage company, Fraser always made time for his family.

"He still found a way to go to every baseball game, every football game, every dance class on top of [taking us] hunting, fishing and everything he wanted to do with us," Arellano said.

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Stephen Richard Berger

Berger, a financial adviser, was out celebrating his 44th birthday when he was fatally shot.

The father-of-three had gone to Las Vegas to attend the three-day festival with a group of friends, including one coworker, Josh Decker.

"He and I had a special bond, he was more than a best friend. He was like my brother — like family," Decker wrote in a Facebook status following the shooting, TV station KSTP reported.

Berger, who in December would celebrate 10 years at his company, EFS Advisors, was described in a statement by the company obtained by PEOPLE as a "loving and devoted father" who is survived by his wife, three children, parents and sister.

"There are no words to express how much we have appreciated the opportunity to work with him, and how much he will be missed," the statement said.

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CAMERON ROBINSON

Robinson, who was attending the Route 91 Harvest Festival with his boyfriend, worked for the city of Las Vegas and commuted to work from Cedar City, Utah.

The 28-year-old was remembered for his sense of humor and compassion during the Las Vegas City Council's meeting Wednesday night.

Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian called Robinson a "remarkable human being" who would go out of his way to flash a funny face at those he thought needed cheering up, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

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CHRISTOPHER HAZENCOMB

Hazencomb, 44, was at a concert with a longtime friend, his mother told the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

"He evidently saved her from getting hit so she could raise her two boys with her husband," his mom, Maryanne Hazencomb, said.

He was an avid Los Angeles Angels and auto racing fan, his mom said, describing him to the paper as a fun person with a big heart.

Kelly Dye, a co-worker of his at Walmart, described him to the paper as a generous coworker.

"There isn't anything he wouldn't do for a friend or a coworker," she said.

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AUSTIN WILLIAM DAVIS

Davis, a 29-year-old pipe fitter from Riverside, California, traveled to Las Vegas to spend time with friends, including Thomas Day - both of whom were killed in the shooting

On a GoFundMe campaign she created to help Davis' family, Katelyn Hood wrote that he was close to his parents.

"Their bond as a family is unlike anything I've ever witnessed," Hood wrote. "Austin was Lori and Gary's only child. Their pride and joy to every extent. They raised the best son. He was the man's man."

Davis' death was confirmed to The Desert Sun by his union, UA Local 364.

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JORDYN RIVERA

Rivera was a fourth-year student in the health care management program at California State University, San Bernardino, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

University president Tomas Morales sent a message to the school community confirming the 21-year-old's death, writing, "We will remember and treasure her for her warmth, optimism, energy and kindness."

Family friend Mike Schrader launched a GoFundMe page to support her family, writing, "I'm lost for words right now and I cannot imagine or even begin to think how [her parents] feel right now."

"She passed away so young and she had everything going for her," Schrader wrote.

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DORENE ANDERSON

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Anderson's death was confirmed by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, where her husband John works. The organization posted a message on behalf of Anderson's family, saying that she "was the most amazing wife, mother and person this world ever had.

"We are so grateful and lucky for the time that we did have with her. We are greatly appreciative and want to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers you have been sending us. We are dealing with the situation as a family, and would appreciate our privacy as we grieve for our loss."

Anderson, 49, was the treasurer of the fan club for the Alaska Aces, a minor league hockey team.

"Dorene was our treasurer of the cowbell crew this past year and a wonderful, generous person who was a friend to many. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family."

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VICTOR LINK

According to nephew Vincent Link, Victor — a 55-year-old loan processor — loved music and he and his fiancée, Lynn Gonzelez, loved traveling to concerts. They attended the Route 91 Harvest Festival with another couple, Vincent told Bakersfield.com.

"It doesn't feel real," he said. "It's hard to grasp that he's gone."

Victor is survived by Gonzalez and his 25-year-old son, Christian.

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CARLY ANNE KREIBAUM

carly-kreibaum — Carly Kreibaum/Facebook

A native of Sibley, Iowa, the 33-year-old was a mother of two, according to the Sioux City Journal. She graduated from Sibley-Ocheyedan High School and later attended Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska, according to the Des Moines Register.

According to the Sioux City Journal, Kreibaum's husband, Chris, posted a public update on Facebook thanking friends for their support.

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TERESA NICOL KIMURA

Kimura, 38, and her circle of friends were so close that they considered themselves "framily, a combination of friends and family," says longtime friend Ryan Miller, 39.

Frequent concertgoers, the Placentia, California, native and her friends had been looking forward to the Route 91 Harvest country music festival since the last one in 2016, he said. But this year, "seven of us went and only six of us came home."

Kimura, whom Miller called "a beacon of light," had an infectious laugh and a loving personality.

Survived by her parents and a sister, she will live on forever in her friends' hearts, he said. "We want everyone to know what a beautiful spirit and what a big, light personality that she had. She was in so many ways, larger than life."

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LAURA ANNE SHIPP

Shipp, 50, was committed to her only son, Corey.

After spending most of her life in Southern California, she moved to Las Vegas around 2012 to be near her son who was stationed there as a U.S. Marine, according to reports in the Ventura County Star.

"She was his world," Steve Shipp, Laura's brother, told the newspaper, "and he was hers."

Steve said his sister attended the Route 91 Harvest festival with her boyfriend, son and some of his friends. Through the course of the evening, the group was separated. For more than a day, the family searched for Laura before learning she had died.

Steve's biggest concern was Corey and his well-being.

"He just lost the most important person in his life," Steve told the Star. "He's a great kid. He's very mature."

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CANDICE RYAN BOWERS

Bowers, 40, was a single mother of three children who rarely took time for herself.

She had recently adopted her 2-year-old niece, according to a report in the Orange County Register, so her family was excited when she decided to attend the Route 91 Harvest Festival with a friend.

Bowers' grandmother Patricia Zacker told the newspaper that it wasn't fair for Bowers' life to end when things were at such an optimistic point.

"Candice left this world doing what she loved — dancing to country music among loved ones," states a GoFundMe page that was set up to raise funds for Bowers' memorial service. "She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her."

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HEATHER LORRAINE ALVARADO

Alvarado was a 35-year-old married mother of three when she was killed. Her obituary describes her as a being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who loved to spend time with her family, fishing, camping and celebrating Halloween with her kids.

She was a native of Norwalk, California. Her obituary reads, "Heather always brought a smile to the room, was happy all the time, and was an awesome mom. Her daughter and brother were her best friends."

She married her "true love," Albert Alvarado, on March 23, 2002, and they later renewed their vows in Las Vegas 10 years later.

She is survived by her parents, a brother and sister, husband and three kids: Syrus, Albie and Charlie.

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PATRICIA MESTAS

Mestas, a 67-year-old resident of Menifee Lakes, California, and was enjoying the festival with her friend Kim Gervais and her son.

She "was one great lady, loved her family and country music," according to a GoFundMe set up by her daughter-in-law.

"[Mestas] was at the concert in Las Vegas enjoying the music that she waited so long to go to… happy and excited," it reads.

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CAROLYN LEE PARSONS

Parsons, a native of Bainbridge Island, Washington, was a fan of Eric Church, one of the singers who performed at the Route 91 Harvest Festival.

"Night made!" She wrote in a photo of herself at the concert, which she posted on Instagram. After her death on Monday evening, her friend Carolyn Farmer shared an image of the Instagram on Eric Church's page to commemorate her friend.

"My good friend Carrie Parsons lost her life in the route 91 harvest shooting Sunday," Farmer wrote. "She loved your music. I think she had been to about 10 of your concerts, including when you played at tractor tavern in Seattle before you got big. Thought I should share the photo below! It was her last post. I feel peace knowing she was living life until her last moments, loving country music."

Parsons' friend Kelli Lovett told PEOPLE of her contagious laugh and boundless energy. She was often a confidante to her friends.

"She always had everyone's best interest at heart," said Lovett.

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BRETT SCHWANBECK

Schwanbeck, 61, was attending the Route 91 Harvest country music festival with his fiancée, Anna Orozco, according to a GoFundMe page set up by his family.

He was injured in the first round of gunfire. Several people helped Orozco carry him to an awaiting ambulance, and he was taken to Sunrise Medical Center where he "fought a great fight to recover from his injuries."

Schwanbeck, who was from Arizona, succumbed to his injuries two days later.

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TARA ANN ROE SMITH

Roe Smith, a model, mother and wife from Okotoks, Alberta, Canada, also worked as an educational assistant for the Foothills School Division.

The 34-year-old was described as "a friendly face" who had a "very caring spirit," according to her modeling agency, Sophia Models International, which shared a tribute to Roe Smith on Facebook. "We are saddened, shocked and pray for everyone affected by this tragedy."

Roe Smith was also an educational assistant for the Foothills School Division, according to a statement on their website from superintendent John Bailey.

"It is with sadness, shock, and grief that we confirm the loss of a Foothills School Division staff member," Bailey confirmed.

A GoFundMe page was created to help support Roe Smith's husband, Zach, and their two young sons.

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ERICK SILVA

Silva was working as a security guard at the festival.

The 21-year-old Las Vegas resident was stationed at the front of the stage, Gina Argento, office manager at the Contemporary Services Corporation security, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

As bullets rained down on the area where he was standing, Silva chose not to run but rather helped concertgoers escape, Argento said.

As he helped others flee, he was struck and fatally injured.

"He was trying to help people get out," she told the Review-Journal. "He was in front of the stage. He was in front of everything."

On a GoFundMe page set up by his coworkers, Silva was described as a "leader" at home and at events.

"He was the epitome of integrity, service, and excellence and we will miss him dearly," his co-worker Jay Purves wrote.

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KELSEY BREANNE MEADOWS

kelsey-meadows-3-2000 — Taft Union High School District

Meadows, 28, was a native of Taft, California, who worked as a substitute teacher at her alma mater, Taft Union High School, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Her brother, Brad, shared the news of her death on Facebook Tuesday, writing, "My family and I want to take a minute and thank everyone that has been trying to help us locate my sister."

"So it is with an absolutely shattered heart that I let everyone know that Kelsey did not survive this tragic event," he continued.

According to the Times, the school district made counselors available for grieving students and staff and planned a vigil for her at the high school Wednesday evening.

"Kelsey was smart, compassionate and kind," Principal Mary Alice Finn said in a statement to the Times. "She had a sweet spirit and a love for children."

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MELISSA RAMIREZ

Ramirez, 26, was a graduate of California State University, Bakersfield. Her love of country music drew her to the Route 91 Harvest Festival, where she would ultimately lose her life.

She was the daughter of Mexican immigrants, and studied business, according to The New York Times. She would spend her summers during high school working alongside her parents selling fruit and vegetables for a local farm company at flea markets, the Times reported.

"She always helped her parents, and just wanted to be there," her cousin Fabiola Farnetti told the paper.

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BILLIE WOLFE JR.

Wolfe and his wife, Robyn, were celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary at the country music festival, according to the Associated Press. He would've turned 43 two weeks later.

The father of one, from Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, was an elementary school wrestling coach and a Little League team. A GoFundMe page was created by the Shippensburg University wrestling team.

"It is with the most of broken hearts, the families of Bill Wolfe Jr. and his wife Robyn share that Bill has been confirmed to be among the deceased as a result of the mass attack in Las Vegas. Please continue to hold their entire family as well as those affected across the nation in your unending prayers," the page states.

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LISA MARIE PATTERSON

When Bob Patterson didn't hear back from his wife, 46-year-old Lisa Marie Patterson, who had gone to Vegas with three girlfriends, the southern California resident jumped in the car and drove nearly 300 miles to look for her. "I went to four different hospitals," the 53-year-old told PEOPLE. "I just couldn't find her.

Learning that his wife of 21 years had been shot at the concert, where she "died immediately," left him shattered. "It was without a doubt, the worst day of my life," he said.

Their three children were still reeling. Bob said, "I don't think it has completely sunk in yet that mommy's not coming home — ever."

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KIM GERVAIS

Kim Gervais was left paralyzed by the shooting and died in November 2019.

"She hurt. Even though she was paralyzed from the neck up, she could feel all the pain," sister Dena Sarvela told KVVU-TV. "There was scrap metal still in her because he used exploding bullets."

Before that fateful day two years ago, Gervais spent her free time riding ATVs and going to concerts with her girlfriends, The New York Times reported in 2017.