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Las Vegas Shooting Victim Identified as Sonny Melton of Big Sandy, Tennessee

via Facebook

The first victim identified in a mass-shooting at a music festival in Las Vegas Sunday night is Sonny Melton of Big Sandy, Tennessee, who was attending the event with his wife Heather. 

Sonny was a registered nurse, according to Facebook, and an employee of Henry County Medical Center. He has also studied at University of Tennessee at Martin. Hundreds of people have expressed condolences on social media.

Dr. Heather Gulish Melton is an orthopedic surgeon at Innovative Orthopedics and was not injured the attack. She told USA Today that her husband had saved her life by protecting her after he had been shot. She told WZTV in Nashville that her husband "saved my life and lost his." She said her husband was the most kind-hearted, loving man she ever met.

HCMC said in statement they are “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life that occurred.” They have asked to respect the family’s privacy and refrain from contacting the family, the HCMC Kelley Clinic and Innovative Orthopedics. The hospital has provided counselors for staff and others affected.

UT Martin Chancellor Keith Carver said in a statement that "The UT Martin family mourns the tragic loss of life in Las Vegas, and we grieve with Mr. Melton's family and many friends at his death. We remember everyone touched by this unspeakable tragedy and pray for healing in the days ahead."

According to NPR, as of Monday afternoon, Melton was one of more than 58 people who died in the attack Sunday night at the Route 91 Harvest festival that also left 515 injured.

This story will be updated.

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