Who were Derrick Rump and Daniel Aston? Two bartenders among 5 killed at Colorado Club Q shooting
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO: Derrick Rump and Daniel Aston have been identified as two of the victims in the horrifying mass shooting at Colorado gay club, Club Q. Both men worked as bartenders at the establishment. The attack took place on Saturday, November 19, on the eve of The Transgender Day of Remembrance.
The suspect of the shooting, which is being investigated as a hate crime, is in police custody at present. Anderson Lee Aldrich, 22, was tackled by at least two heroic patrons. Besides the five people who died, another 25 were injured. Aldrich had previously been arrested in June 2021 for a bomb threat, but he was never formally charged.
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Who were Derrick Rump and Daniel Aston?
Aston's mother, Sabrina Aston, told ABC News, "He was our baby and he was our youngest." On ther other hand, Rump was described by co-workers as funny and bubbly, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette. One said he always “kept his smile".
Aston had completed his transition to male in June. He was a drag performer. “He was always, ‘Do you need anything?’” Leia-Jhene Seals, a drag performer who took to the stage at the club on the night of the shooting, said.
According to Rump's Facebook account, he was previously a Cook/Prep Cook at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. He went to Kutztown Area Senior High School. Aston's account says he worked at Elote Cafe & Catering. He went to Broken Arrow High School and studied at Northeastern State University.
An acquaintance of Rump took to Facebook to describe him as "kind, oving, and caring and an amazing great friend." "You gave me advice,which i will never and have not forgotten," Delaney Sailer wrote. "When i used to walk into club q,i always see you behind the bar, putting the bracelet on after i shown you my i.d. and making me whatever drink i ask for," the post said.
"Whenever you had a break, we sat outside on the patio and talk and you listened to me and understood with what i went through or how i was feeling. You even put a smile on my face and i always gave you my hugs and kissed you on your cheek. ( sorry, kinda getting tearful while typing all of this ). Derrick, you will be greatly missed and i will always cherish our memories we had made and the good times we shared. I will always keep them in my heart. I love you so much,Derrick and i will miss you dearly. You will never be forgotten. Thank you, dear dear Derrick," he added.
Another person, who appeared to know both the men, wrote on Facebook, "Daniel Davis Aston , you and Derrick Rump did not deserve this, two of the most beautiful souls it was a pleasure to have had the honor to know you and love you guys Rest in piece bebes".