First images of Orlando shooting victims revealed as tributes pour in after club horror
THESE are the first images of the victims killed in the Orlando nightclub massacre at the hands of an Islamic State sympathiser.
The victims of the Orlando massacre
Terrorist Omar Mateen, 29, entered the gay club Pulse before opening fire – killing 50 people and injuring at least 53.
Officials fear the death roll will rise above 50, despite it already being the worst mass shooting in US history.
Doctors confirmed many of the 53 people injured are in a critical condition in hospital.
Trauma surgeon Dr Mike Cheatham, of Orlando Regional Medical Centre where many of the victims were taken, said: “I think we will see the death toll rise."
At the scene, where 300 people were packed into the Pulse nightclub, 39 people died at the club, and 11 later died in hospital.
Photographs have now emerged of victims killed by Mateen as Orlando Police ask members of the public not to hold vigils for those massacred.
The City of Orlando police have confirmed some of the identities of the deceased on their website, posting alongside the list: “On this very difficult day, we offer heartfelt condolences to today’s victims and their families.
“Our City is working tirelessly to get as much information out to the families so they can begin the grieving process.”
Peter Gonzalez-Cruz, 22, is one of the victims from the horrific attack
The force tweeted: “We understand our community is grieving and vigils are being planned, but PLEASE hold off on vigils.”
So far 15 victims have been identified, the youngest 20 and the oldest 50.
They are Edward Sotomayor Jr., 34, Stanley Almodovar III, 23, Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20, Juan Ramon Guerroro, 22, Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36, Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22, Luis S. Vielma, 22, Kimberly Morris, 37, Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30, Darryl Roman Burt II, 29, Deonka Deidra Drayton, 32, Alejandro Barrios Martinez, 21, Anthony Luis Laureanodisla, 25, Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 35, and Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, 50.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer recalled the scene as having “blood everywhere”.
Luis S. Vielma, 22, was killed in the massacre
37-year-old Ms Morris had moved to Orlando only two months ago from Hawaii, and worked as a bouncer at the nightclub.
A friend, Lo Anthony, posted on Facebook that she always had a smile on her face" and was "loved and adored by all".
Stanley Almodovar's mother described him as a happy man with a big heart
Mr Sotomayor was a national brand manager for ALandChuck Travel – a company specialising in holidays for the gay community, according to his LinkedIn page.
His cousin, David Sotomayor, paid tribute to the victim and described him as a caring, energetic man.
The drag queen from Chicago said: “He was just always part of the fun.
“You never think that's going to be the last time you speak to him. It's just heartbreaking to know it just can happen any time.”
Edward Sotomayor was a brand manager of a travel company
It's just heartbreaking to know it just can happen any time
A resident of Sarasota, Florida, according to his Facebook page, his boss Al Ferguson described him as “a great man”.
Mr Ferguson said Mr Sotomayor’s partner had gone outside to put something in the car when he heard gunshots ring out.
He reportedly got a text from Mr Sotomayor telling him he was safe in the bathroom and not to come back to the club, and 20 minutes later received another text again saying he as fine.
That was the last he heard from him.
NBC News speaks to Orlando gunman's father
Mr Ferguson praised his employee, saying: "Anyone who booked gay cruises knew Sotomayor.
“He was a great man."
RuPaul's Drag Race judge Michelle Visage called Sotomayor "a joy.
"I loved you on so many levels. You were SO SO special and will never be forgotten.
“I promise you that."
Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20, was killed at Pulse nightclub
Rosalie Ramos, 51, described her son Mr Almodovar, who as shot three times in the chest, as a “happy man with a big heart”.
She added: “I was hoping maybe he was shot in the hand or the leg. You can survive a gunshot to the leg.”
She added he was obsessed about his hair and had dyed it on Saturday night.
It emerged in the hours leading up to his death he had been laughing, singing and posting videos on messaging app Snapchat.
Jihadi Omar Mateen killed Ramon Guerrero, 22 (pictured) at the Orando club
His aunt Yoly, said he was "an amazing person with a good soul".
His aunt said that as he came out of the bathroom Mateen began spraying bullets, and Mr Almodovar - who would have turned 24 next month - shoved people of the way of danger.
Friends of the pharmacy technician shared their condolences on his Facebook page.
Brian Garcia wrote: “Rest in peace my friend. You were always so full joy Stanley, we will miss you buddy.”
Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36, was also confirmed as one of the people killed
The youngest in his family, Mr Vielma had studied at Seminole State College of Florida.
He worked at Universal Orlando as a production assistant on the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, according to his Facebook page.
A friend, Eddi Anderson, described him online as “one of the most genuine and kind hearted people I've ever met".
Ms Morris had moved to Orlando only two months ago
Another friend, Will Randle, expressed his grief on Facebook, saying: “I don’t even know where to begin.
“Luis Vielma, you were one of the kindest people I have ever come to know.
“At Disaster, everyone's day would brighten up whenever you came in. I don't care if it was an early opening, or a late event. Working with you was extraordinary.”