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Heroic ‘Dark Knight Massacre’ Victim Died Shielding Girlfriend From Gunfire

Posted: July 21, 2012
Heroic ‘Dark Knight Massacre’ Victim Died Shielding Girlfriend From Gunfire

McQuinn's heroic intervention saved his girlfriend's life

More details are emerging regarding the so-called “Dark Knight Massacre,” and though much of the news is dedicated to understanding the shooter, James Holmes, more is also being reported about his victims. In one particular case, a story of heroism and self-sacrifice, theater-goer Matt McQuinn made a bold and heroic last stand in the shooting, preventing his girlfriend from becoming a victim of the shooter by becoming one himself.

McQuinn and his girlfriend, Samantha Yowler, met in their home state of Ohio as co-workers at a Springfield Target. They both transferred to another Target in Denver, Colorado, re-locating together last November, according to NY Daily. Late Thursday night, McQuinn, Yowler, and her brother Nick Yowler attended the fateful premiere of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, and 27-year-old McQuinn was confirmed late Friday as a victim in the worst mass shooting in American history.

According to CBS News, when gunman James Holmes burst into the theater releasing canisters of pepper spray and opening fire on the movie-goers, McQuinn and Nick Yowler moved their bodies in front of Samantha Yowler in order to shield her from gunfire. Nick escaped the incident unharmed, Samantha took a bullet to the leg, but survived and is in fair condition after surgery to remove the round. Tragically, McQuinn’s quick-thinking heroism cost him his life.

The family’s lawyer released a statement, crediting McQuinn and Nick Yowler for saving Samantha’s life. “Both the Yowler and McQuinn families thank everyone for their concerns, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the McQuinn’s lawyer, Robert L. Scott said in a statement. “The families ask for everyone to be patient and respect their wishes during this very difficult time.”

“He was a great outgoing person,” said one of the couple’s Target co-workers. “We lost a great person and we still can’t picture or realize that he’s gone.”

“The family is devastated,” said Scott.

Interestingly, Heath Ledger’s Joker, who may have inspired Holmes’s attack, said in 2008′s The Dark Knight that, “In their last moments, people show you who they really are.” McQuinn showed the world that he is a hero, a legacy that has not gone unnoticed by the media.

Matt McQuinn and Samantha Yowler

IQ sends condolences to the family of Matt McQuinn, an inspiring individual whose exceptional heroism will not be forgotten.



Comments


14 Archived Responses to “ Heroic ‘Dark Knight Massacre’ Victim Died Shielding Girlfriend From Gunfire ”

  1. Mary Johnson
    Jul 21, 2012

    TO Sam and Matt's family; I am so sorry for your loss; I know what its like to lose a child and my heart and prayers go out to you at this time;.

  2. Joy Elliott
    Jul 21, 2012

    Being a Vandalia-Butler grad and hearing Matt was too, this hit hard….my prayers are with his family, friends and Sam's as well…he and her brother are two of the true heroes!!!

  3. Lori Ellers
    Jul 21, 2012

    words cannot convey how deeply I am saddened by this horrific murderer. I am so sorry for your loss. Matt was sent to you by God as your love and guardian angel and now has been called home to heaven for a job well done.

  4. Kathy Kirsch
    Jul 21, 2012

    Many prayers to both families.

  5. Debora Brown
    Jul 21, 2012

    praying for your families and sending love to you from Nevada. Hope your lives will be rich with the thoughts of what sacrafice they made, the heroism they portrayed and may peace find you in your time of trouble.

  6. Solangela Marcano
    Jul 21, 2012

    Sorry for your loss. It takes a great man to shield his girl or whomever is in front of the bullets. A big sacrifice, May God have him in his glory. God Bless his family.

  7. Christopher Alaimo
    Jul 21, 2012

    That's how you go out with honor. Like a real man. on the other hand, you have this guy, who dropped his 4-month-old baby and ran out of the theater leaving his fiance and 2 children to be slaughtered, got in his car, and drove home. I hope he reads this article and realizes what a piece of shit he is. http://news.yahoo.com/couple-colo-theater-shooting-escape-baby-toddler-tow-162024554–abc-news-topstories.html?.tsrc=lgwn

  8. Shawna Bennett-Overy
    Jul 21, 2012

    My thoughts and prayers are with the families ….I'm very sorry for your loss

  9. Julie Marie Johns
    Jul 21, 2012

    No question, thus guy is an absolute hero. He was most likely scared out of his mind, but still acted and saved his girlfriend's life. Yep, definately a Hero

  10. Tammy Bowman
    Jul 22, 2012

    I am devastated for the families and friends of the victims and injured people. It never ceases to amaze me how one person's sensless acts of violence can affect so many on so many levels.

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    Jul 22, 2012

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  12. Michelle Hermon
    Jul 22, 2012

    This is the act of true love. McQuinn's family and friends will be in my prayers.

  13. Marc R. Notgivinghislastname
    Jul 22, 2012

    YES, Matt McQuinn (and Nick Yowler) is a TRUE hero in my opinion.
    And please, I don't want to hear ANY more press/sensationalism (which is what he wants) about the scumbag piece of shit that did all of this…only positive stories about the victims themselves.
    If the media didn't make these assholes famous afterwards, then maybe they'd be less likely to do it in the first place?

  14. Julie Doucette
    Jul 23, 2012

    Greater love hath no man then this, that he lay down his life for his friends.