The first victim of Wednesday night’s mass shooting in Maine has been identified as a bowling-obsessed grandfather who died trying to protect the children he was coaching.
Retired mechanic Bob Violette, 76, was one of the seven people shot dead at Just in Time bowling alley in Lewiston, his daughter-in-law said.
The gunman started his bloody rampage, which killed 18 people and left 13 injured, at the bowling alley just before 7pm.
Suspected attacker, army reservist Robert Card, 40, was still at large almost 24 hours after the killing spree took place.
Mr Violette is understood to have run a youth bowling league on Wednesday nights at the alley, an effort for which he was recently inducted into the Maine Bowling Hall of Fame.
The grandfather-of-six was so invested in the development of the children he coached, he saved up to buy new iPads and iPhones so he could take high quality videos of the young bowlers to give them tips on how to improve.
He was reportedly killed trying to protect the children he was responsible for that night.
“He loved those kids, all of them,” his daughter-in-law, Cassandra, told the Sun Journal newspaper.
Lucy, his wife of almost 50 years, is understood to have been injured in the attack.
Mr Violette is understood to have become an avid bowler in retirement, joining a couples league with his wife as it was an activity they could enjoy together.
The father-of-three bowled most weekday mornings and is said to have enjoyed the community and competition at the alley.
Mr Violette had a special bond with his grandchildren and his eldest two grandsons often participated in the Wednesday night sessions.
“He wouldn’t let you walk out the door without giving him a hug, and a kiss on the check. He was just there for everything,” Cassandra added.
A caring husband, Lewiston-born Mr Violette would set timers on his phone to remind his wife to take her medication. “His first thought every day was her,” his relative said.
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