Shane Tomlison, a local from Concord and Tevin Crosby, from Statesville, are among the victims tragically killed in the Orlando shooting
The incident, which is already being called the worst mass shooting in U.S. history, has lead to the death of 49 individuals, with 53 another left injured as well.
Today, June 13, the city of Orlando released the names of those who were tragically killed in the nightclub Pulse, which has stood as a staple of the LGBTQ community for many years.
Among those who lost their lives was Tomlison and Crosby. Tomlison, age 33, was the manager of the band Frequency and received his bachelors degree at East Carolina University after attending high school at Northwest Cabarrus. Crosby, age 25, studied business administration at Strayer University.
Here below is the statement issued by ECU following the tragic news.
It is a sad day on the campus of East Carolina University.
Campus officials learned today that alumnus Shane Tomlinson is among the victims of the devastating Pulse nightclub shooting that occurred in the early morning hours Sunday, June 12.
Tomlinson was known during his time on campus for his high intensity personality and impressive singing voice. He graduated from ECU in December 2003 with a bachelor of science degree in communication with a minor in business administration. He lived in Orlando.
Shane Tomlinson (Photo credit D. Bailey Management, Inc.)Shane Tomlinson (Photo credit D. Bailey Management, Inc.)
“We are saddened to learn that one of our own was killed in this tragedy in Orlando,” said Chancellor Steve Ballard. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Shane’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Dr. Virginia Hardy, vice chancellor for student affairs, said, “Today, we mourn the loss of Shane Tomlinson and all of those impacted in this senseless tragedy. While gone way too soon, Shane and his family are forever in the hearts of the Pirate Nation.”
Dr. Lathan Turner, associate director of student transitions at ECU, worked at the Ledonia Wright Cultural Center on campus and met Tomlinson when he was a student. They kept in touch over the years.
“He was a great person – if you met him once he became a part of who you are,” said Turner.
He said Tomlinson spent a lot of time at the Cultural Center participating in and attending events. He was also a part of the ECU gospel choir and the student modeling group Ombionce.
“He was destined for a grand stage and he was doing exactly what he wanted to do,” said Turner.
Tarrick Cox is the advisor for ECU’s gospel choir and worked with Tomlinson when he was a member. He remembers Tomlinson’s contagious personality and laughter that surrounded him when he was around other people.
“He was gifted and creative. He was a go-getter who did well academically. He always looked at people as individuals and never categorized them,” said Cox.
Singing was Tomlinson’s passion and as the lead singer of, The Frequency Band, Turner believes he was happy and satisfied with life in Orlando. Tomlinson was a part of a loving and close family and leaves behind his mother, father, a sister and a young nephew he adored, Turner said.
Candlelight vigil on Tuesday
In response to the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, several ECU departments and student organizations are partnering with Greenville organizations to host a candlelight vigil at 7:45 p.m., Tuesday, June 14.
The event will begin at Crave restaurant, 409 Evans Street, and then those gathered will walk with lit candles to the Greenville Town Common. The names of those killed in the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando will be read as well as observing a moment of silence and hearing from several speakers.
The LGBT Resource Office, the GLBTSU (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Student Union), and the Student Activities Board at ECU along with Out Greenville, Crave, Uptown Greenville, New Greenville, and PFLAG Greenville are working together to organize the event.
The public is invited to attend.
For a look at Tomlison’s Facebook account please click HERE.
For a look at Crosby’s Facebook account please click HERE
Statement from Cabarrus County Schools:
Cabarrus County Schools mourns the loss of Shane Tomlinson, a 1999 graduate of Northwest Cabarrus High School. We send our condolences to his family and friends and to the loved ones of all of the victims of the Pulse Nightclub Shooting.
Statement from Mayor of Concord:
This weekend’s horrific tragedy in Orlando has hit close to home, with news that a Concord family is among those grieving a deceased victim.
City officials learned today that Shane Tomlinson is among the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting that occurred in the early hours of Sunday, June 12.
“Our hearts are broken to learn that Shane’s was one of the young lives lost in this senseless act of violence,” said Concord Mayor Scott Padgett. “We lift up his parents as well as the entire Tomlinson family in prayer and support. There are many people in our community who loved and remember Shane from his youth and we join his family in grief.”
Tomlinson was a 1999 graduate of Northwest Cabarrus High School, where he excelled in music and performance. He played saxophone in the Trojan Regiment marching band, and choreographed the 1998 homecoming show, “Get Down with Motown.” He graduated from East Carolina University in December 2003.
Following his passion, Tomlinson was the lead singer for Orlando-based The Frequency Band and performed just hours before his passing. He was known as the energetic leader of the regional cover band, performing top-40 hits from the 1970s through today.
The flags at City Hall were lowered to half-staff upon Governor McCrory’s statewide order issued on Sunday, and will remain in place through sunset on Thursday, June 16.
