Maine identifies 18 mass shooting victims: What we know about them
Eighteen people died on Wednesday night in the latest mass shooting that has rattled the local community in Maine and the nation.
The shooting took place in two locations, Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley and Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant, in Lewiston, both of which are temporarily closed.
Authorities released the official list of victims Friday afternoon and said all family members of the deceased had been made aware of their loss.
The victims’ ages ranged from 14 to 76. While much still remains unknown, here is what we know so far about the victims:
Just-In-Time Recreation
Tricia Asselin, 53, was killed at the bowling alley after she ran across the room to call 9-1-1 for help, The Washington Post reported. She worked at a concession stand at the bowling alley part-time but was there with her sister and mom for fun that night.
William Young, 44, and his son, Aaron Young, 14, were bowling together when they were both killed, WBZ-TV reported. Aaron was reportedly a sophomore in high school.
Robert Violette, 76, and his wife Lucille Violette, 73, were killed. Robert was teaching kids bowling at the time of the shooting. A longtime instructor, Violette was described by a co-worker as “so kind” and “always super understanding,” WBZ-TV reported. He had worked in the youth league for “as long as I can remember. There wasn’t a kid that he wouldn’t help,” the co-worker added.
Michael Deslauriers II, 51, was bowling with his family and friends at the time of the attack. His father told CBS News that his son and another victim, Jason Walker, charged at the shooter.
Jason Walker, 51, was a friend of Deslauriers II, NPR reported. According to a Facebook post from Deslauriers II’s father, the men “made sure their wives and several young children were under cover then they charged the shooter.”
Thomas Conrad, 34, was a new manager at the bowling alley, where he was killed.
Schemengees Bar & Grille
Joseph Walker, 57, was a bar manager who lunged after the gunman with a butcher knife before he was killed, CBS News reported, citing Walker’s father, who is Auburn City Councilor Leroy Walker.
William Brackett, 48, Bryan MacFarlane, 41, and Stephen Vozzella, 45, were all reportedly killed while attending a cornhole tournament for deaf athletes.
Joshua Seal, 36, was an interpreter for the deaf and was participating in the cornhole tournament for deaf athletes when he was shot, his wife said.
Arthur Strout, 42, was a father of five and was playing pool with his son that evening. His son left shortly before the shooting, WBZ-TV reported.
Ronald Morin, 55, was at the bar when the shooting happened, a family member told CNN. According to a family member, the family is “asking for prayers and privacy” during this time of “profound grief.”
Peyton Brewer Ross, 40, was a five-year IAM Local S6 member. He worked at Bath Iron Works pipefitter in Bath, Maine. His brother told CNN that he had loved playing cornhole and spending time with friends at the restaurant. IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. said his contribution “has been invaluable, and his loss is deeply felt” within the union and community.
Unknown location
Maxx Hathaway, 35, was a stay-at-home father of two with a third child on the way, his sister posted on a GoFundMe page. She described him as a “goofy, down to earth person.”
Keith Macneir, 64, has been confirmed as one of the victims. His family sent in a photo of him to be used in the press conference Friday afternoon.
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