It has been a heartbreaking day for the wounded and families of the victims in Las Vegas, NV. The first of the 59 concertgoers killed have been formally identified. 

• Sonny Melton, a 29-year-old nurse, was fatally shot in the back as he and wife Heather tried to flee
• Jordan McIldoon, 23, a mechanic’s apprentice, was at the festival with his girlfriend when he was shot dead
• Quinton Robbins, 20, of Henderson, Nevada, along with kindergarten teacher and mother-of-two Jenny Parks and Susan Smith, 53, an office manager for the Simi Valley Unified School District were also killed
• Denise Salmon Burditus, 50, reportedly died in her husband Tony Burditus’ arms just minutes after posting a picture of themselves at the festival
• Mom-of-four Jessica Klymchuk, Adrian Murfitt, 35, John Phippen, Rhonda LeRocque, Dana Gardner, Bailey Schweitzer, Angie Gomez, school secretary Lisa Romero, and Charleston Hartfield were also victims
• Melissa Ramirez, who was a graduate of California State University at Baskerville, and 35-year-old special education teacher from southern California Sandy Casey were also killed in the horrific shooting
• Mother-of-three, Neysa Tonks, was the latest victim who was identified; she leaves behind her three sons
• Rachael Parker, 33, was with fellow off-duty officers when Paddock opened fire, she later died at the hospital

PICTURED: First victims of Las Vegas music festival mass shooting https://t.co/KxGKpvn9hv pic.twitter.com/iTp2h57Ozi

— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) October 2, 2017

Sonny Melton’s wife, a surgeon, credits her selfless and brave husband for saving her life.

‘He saved my life. He grabbed me and started running when I felt him get shot in the back,’ she told WSMV. ‘I want everyone to know what a kind-hearted, loving man he was, but at this point, I can barely breathe.’

This regarding Adrian Murfitt, is heart wrenching.

Last year, her husband forgot their anniversary. This year, to make it up to her, he planned a trip to Vegas. https://t.co/ZIMcyNLpwy

— The New York Times (@nytimes) October 2, 2017

Rachel Parker was a records technician with California’s Manhattan Police Department for 10 years.

She was with fellow off-duty officers when she was killed.

Kindergarten teacher Jenny Parks, a mother of two was killed when the gunman opened fire.

Her aunt, Rhonda Boyle, wrote on Facebook: ‘It’s a sad day for me and my family my niece was murdered killed by that SOB in Los Vegas. Please pray for me and my family, she was a sweet woman… and a good mother.’

She leaves behind her husband Bobby Parks, 39, and their two kids.

Denise Salmon Burditus, a grandmother and mom, died in her husband Tony’s arms just minutes after posting the photo above of themselves at the festival. Tony and Denise were high school sweethearts.

Carrie Barnette was a recent high school graduate and former cheerleader. Her friend Ashley wrote this:

‘What really hurts is that all of those people were having a good time and someone abruptly brought that all to an end. Be free, rest with Jesus, and with your grandparents… we will honor your memory and cherish the times we had with you.’

John Phippen was at the concert with his son Travis when he was killed. He was remembered by friends as an amazing soul, who had a smile that would light up the room.

John’s son Travis was a medic.

Travis, who was shot in the arm, was able to patch up at least 14 others at the scene, but tragically wasn’t able to save his own father.

These are just a few of the stories of people enjoying a night of hearing major country music stars sing all their favorite songs. A night that ended in terror, pain, and tragedy for far too many.

Thanks to all first responders, police officers, and every civilian who thought of others first at the risk of their own lives. #LasVegas

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) October 2, 2017

The heartbreak is unimaginable.

As David French notes, the courage and selflessness of many in the face of such immediate shock and terror should be a challenge to us all.

Stranger took number of bullets to save pair of roommates.

“He had expressed…he didn’t think he was going to make it”

via @murphy_paulp pic.twitter.com/AdHsDsuKQu

— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) October 2, 2017

Maren Morris, one of the country singers headlining the Festival posted a song called Dear Hate on Youtube a short while ago.

I wrote this song 3 years ago, recorded it last year with Vince Gill, and always have fans asking when I’ll put it out. I never knew when would be the right time, but I realized today that there’s never a right time. Hate is everywhere, and I’m sick of not doing enough. In the darkest tunnel, there is still love & music. That’s what it’s here for.

Dear Hate. You were supplanted by courage, by selflessness, by bravery unimaginable. Dear Hate, you may have thought you won. But today, in Las Vegas, you did not.