Thousand Oaks: Who are the victims?
- Published
A "community filled with sorrow", "our hearts are broken", "heart-wrenching".
These are some of the ways the friends and families of the 12 people killed in a shooting at a bar in Thousand Oaks, California described the loss of their loved ones.
Information about those who were killed continues to emerge. This is what we know so far.
Cody Coffman
Cody Coffman, 22, went to the Borderline Bar and Grill most Wednesday nights to line dance.
Cody's father, Jeff Coffman, confirmed that his son had been killed in the shooting - "his name is Cody Coffman and he is my first born son," he told reporters.
"Cody was the big brother that my kids need," Mr Coffman said, fighting tears.
Mr Coffman said that Cody was preparing to join the US Army.
Justin Meek
Justin Meek, 23, was one of those killed at the country music night on Wednesday.
California Lutheran University confirmed that Mr Meek, a recent graduate of the university, was "one of the precious lives cut short in this tragedy".
University President Chris Kimball said Mr Meek "heroically saved lives in the incident".
The University said the "community is filled with sorrow", and that it "wraps its arms around the Meek family and other families, and around every member of this community of caring".
Mr Meek was also a keen singer and musician.
Tony Duran, owner of Goode Time Productions who employed My Meek as a singer told USA Today Mr Meek was "one of the sweetest guys in the world".
"It was his dream to sing at Club 33 at Disneyland and that's never going to happen," Mr Duran said. "That's never going to happen - all because of the stupid choice that killer made that robbed so many people of hearing Justin Meek's beautiful voice. It's senseless."
Alaina Housley
"Alaina was an incredible young woman with so much life ahead of her and we are devastated that her life was cut short in this manner."
These are the words of actress Tamera Mowry-Housley and her husband Adam Housely who confirmed that their niece Alaina Housley, 18, was one of those killed in the shooting.
Sergeant Ron Helus
Sergeant Helus was set to retire next year, after 29 years of service with the Ventura Country Sheriff's Department.
He was one of the first on the scene, and was shot several times.
He later died in hospital.
Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean paid tribute to Sergent Helus who he said "went in to save lives, to save other people".
"He was totally committed, he gave his all," Sheriff Dean continued, "and tonight, as I told his wife, he died a hero."
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Sergeant Ron Helus and all the victims of last night’s tragedy in Thousand Oaks. We are deeply saddened by this event in our county. pic.twitter.com/i9YwtMImLp
— Ventura Police (@Ventura_PD) November 8, 2018
Sean Adler
Sean Adler, 48, was working as a security guard at the bar when he was killed.
The former high school sports coach had recently opened a coffee shop and was working in the bar to help support his family. He is survived by his wife and two children.
The Simi Valley Royal High School wrestling and football teams paid tribute on Facebook.
"He was positive, motivational, and truly wanted the best for the people around him," a post on the wrestling team's Facebook page said.
Daniel Manrique
Daniel Manrique, 33, was a former marine sergeant who worked for a charity helping veterans after leaving the military. He had recently been promoted.
His sister, Gladys Manrique Koscak, confirmed his death via Facebook on Thursday.
"It is with the most shattered and heavy heart that I'm writing this post to let everyone know that Daniel Manrique was at Borderline last night," she said.
"He was shot and killed in an absolutely senseless act of violence that we will never understand.
"He had spent his entire adult life, post-military service, helping veterans readjust to civilian life.
"He will forever be our hero, son, brother, and the best uncle anybody could ever ask for."
We are heartbroken to confirm that Dan Manrique, Pacific Regional PM and Marine Corps veteran, was one of the victims of the Borderline shooting. We are aware that other members of our Team RWB family were directly impacted by the events. We will provide updates as we learn more. pic.twitter.com/lXVQWVx6NV
— Team RWB (@TeamRWB) November 8, 2018
Telemachus Orfanos
Telemachus Orfanos, 27, had already survived one mass shooting - the Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas which killed 58 people in 2017.
But little more than a year later he was killed in similar circumstances.
"He made it through Las Vegas, he came home. And he didn't come home last night, and the two words I want you to write are: gun control."
According to his Facebook profile, Telemachus Orfanos studied at Moorpark College before joining the US Navy.
Noel Sparks
Noel Sparks, 21, was a student at Moorpark College, according to her Facebook profile.
United Methodist Church Westlake Village confirmed her death on Thursday.
"It is with heavy hearts that we notify you that Noel Sparks was among the victims of last night's shooting," the church said.
Online, friends paid tribute to a "sweet, amazing soul".
Blake Dingman
Blake Dingman, 21, was in the bar with his friend Jake Dunham, who also died.
Posting on Instagram, Dingman's younger brother Aidan paid tribute to his sibling.
Along with his parents, he had raced to the scene when news of the shooting emerged.
"Words cannot describe the pain I am feeling," he wrote.
"I love you so much and I miss you more than you can imagine."
Jake Dunham
Jake Dunham, 21, lived in Newbury Park, California.
His father, Ken, told NBC Los Angeles he had gone to the bar to play pool with his friend.
RIP: Jake Dunham, 21. I met his red-eyed father at 2am. That’s when Ken Dunham just kept staring at his cell phone, hoping his son would call.
— Robert Kovacik (@RobertNBCLA) November 9, 2018
Jake, and his buddy, Blake,were both killed in the #BorderlineShooting.
Two friends just playing pool in #ThousandOaks. @NBCLA pic.twitter.com/duszt0fKcy
Both Dingman and Dunham were keen off-road drivers.
No Sways Offroad organised a memorial off-road meet for Monday 12 November in honour of their "fallen brothers Blake and Jake".
"I know we're all heartbroken so let's send them off in a way they'd want," organisers wrote on Instagram.
Kristina Morisette
Kristina Morisette, 20, from Simi Valley, worked on the front desk at Borderline Bar and Grill.
Online, friends paid tribute to a "sweet soul" who "cared for everyone".
My heart is extremely heavy after hearing about Kristina Morisette. The worst things happen to the best people. She was such a sweet girl and cared for everyone. I pray for all the people who have passed away and their families. #BorderLineShooting #Together #Pray
— BOHN (@BohningBrandon) November 8, 2018
My gut twisted when I heard that the sweet soul that I grew up with through elementary school is now gone. Gone too soon. I’ll miss talking after school in 5th grade waiting for our parents to pick us up. Rest In Peace Kristina Morisette, you’ll be missed greatly.
— Kevin Pauls (@KeevanYall) November 9, 2018
- 8 November 2018
- 5 August 2019