Who was Bryan MacFarlane? Maine mass shooting victim's sister proud of him for becoming truck driver despite being deaf
LEWISTON, MAINE: Bryan MacFarlane, a member of Lewiston's deaf community, is among the victims in the Maine mass shootings.
He was participating in the cornhole tournament at Schemengees Bar and Grill in Lewiston, Maine when a gunman opened fire on the people.
The American Deaf Cornhole organization confirmed that deaf people of the community were having a tournament on October 25 night when the gunman opened fire in the Schemengees Bar.
The suspect, Robert Card, killed 18 people and injured 13 in two shootings, one in a bowling alley and one at the bar. Police are still in search of the 40-year-old suspect.
What did Bryan MacFarlane do?
MacFarlane recently moved back to his native hometown in Maine. According to his Facebook profile, MacFarlane is from Cumberland Center, Maine.
The 40-year-old victim usually went to Schemengees Bar on Wednesdays to play cornhole with other deaf members, said his sister Keri Brooks to CNN. She recalled that MacFarlane was a "tight-knit" part of the local deaf community.
"I grew up in Maine, and the deaf community is a tight-knit community."
She also told CNN that her brother was one of the first deaf people who got his commercial truck driving license in Vermont.
Brooks, who was very proud of MacFarlane's achievement, stated, "Many states don't let deaf drive trucks, so I'm very proud of him for achieving that. He worked as a truck driver for several years."
MacFarlane loved his dog and was a passionate motorcyclist.
His mother and sister survive him.
People grieve over the tragic death of Bryan MacFarlane
People talked about MacFarlane's qualities and fondly remembered him.
An acquaintance of MacFarlane, named Seamstress Vikki Ash on Facebook, shared a post remembering the victim and shared fond memories.
The post read, "RIP Bryan MacFarlane, you will be missed! U were amazing guy trying hard to survive n never give up. U liked to call me on vp or fb video to say hello n talk bout tips/feedback, jobs, life, n outdoor. He lost his life to a maine shooting. So sorry that u had to go so early. Prayers to his families n friends"
People shared their condolences to the victim's family in this post.
One user commented, "I'm sorry for your loss, praying for you and his family. Hugs."
"Sorry for your loss!" said a second user.
"So sorry for your loss of a friend," read another comment.
