Authorities said two students were killed and four others were hurt Tuesday when a gunman opened fire on the campus of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.
The four injured students were identified by UNCC Chancellor Philip L. Dubois as Drew Pescaro, 19, Sean Dehart, 20, Emily Houpt, 23, and Rami Alramadhan, 20. Officials said three of the victims remained hospitalized Wednesday.
>> UNC Charlotte shooting: First of victims identified, recovering after surgery
Officials have also identified the victims who did not survive the shooting as Riley Howell, 21, and Ellis "Reed" Parlier, 19.
Here’s what we know about the slain victims:
Riley Howell
Sources told WSOC-TV that 21-year-old Riley Howell jumped on the gunman during the shooting, likely saving other classmates' lives.
Howell was a graduate of T.C. Roberson High School in Asheville with a home address in Waynesville.
“Early reports say Riley chose to fight and was fatally shot while attempting to physically confront and stop the shooter. This selfless act would have delayed the shooter giving police more time to respond and prevented further deaths,” Buncombe County Rep. Brian Turner said in a Facebook post.
“Riley Howell will be remembered for his courage, for the life he lived, and for the lives he saved.”
In a statement released Wednesday, Howell’s family described the 21-year-old as “a big, muscular guy with a huge heart.”
“Riley was truly a one of a kind guy,” the statement said. “He loved all things outdoors, adventure, and especially family. He loved to work outside and when he worked, he did it with his hands and his heart. He always was able to put others before himself and never hesitated to help anyone who needed it.”
Ellis 'Reed' Parlier
Union County Public Schools confirmed 19-year-old Ellis “Reed” Parlier graduated from Central Academy of Technology and Arts in Monroe in 2017.
Superintendent Andrew Houlihan shared condolences Wednesday for Parlier’s family in a statement posted to Twitter.
In a statement, a family spokesperson said Parlier’s family “is still in shock and grieving over their loss.”
The Cox Media Group National Content Desk contributed to this report.
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