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Austin Mass Shooting Victim Was Looking Forward To His Marrying High School Sweetheart
Douglas Kantor dreamed of marrying his high school sweetheart but his life was cut short when he was gunned down in Austin's mass shooting.
A Michigan man who was looking forward to marrying his high school sweetheart was killed in a mass shooting while visiting Texas over the weekend.
Douglas John Kantor, 25, died on Sunday following the Saturday mass shooting in the busy entertainment district of downtown Austin. At least 14 people were shot; Kantor is the only confirmed fatality. One of two suspects has been arrested in the killing. He is a minor and his name has not been disclosed.
Kantor was visiting Texas from Michigan to see “his close high school friend,” his brother Nick Kantor posted on Facebook.
In a statement, his family reflected on the hopes and dreams Kantor had for life, which included “looking forward to marrying his high school sweetheart of 10 years and starting a family,” Austin’s KXAN reports.
Nick Kantor said his brother was shot through the abdomen and spent 36 hours fighting for his life.
“He suffered from the time of the injury until time of death, it was the most gruesome thing I could think to wish on someone,” he told KXAN. “It’s painful to discuss, but I think the public deserves to know what my brother suffered.”
He called the two alleged shooters cowards "who didn't have the balls to put their fists up nor the skill with a firearm to hit each other."
Investigators believe that the shooting was the result of a dispute between two parties.
Jessica Ramirez is also fighting for her life following the shooting in Austin's Sixth Street entertainment district. The single mother of five was shot while out celebrating her 34th birthday. Twelve other victims are reportedly in stable condition.
"This is a tragic outcome," Austin Mayor Steve Adler tweeted on Sunday following Doug's death. "Please keep this person, the other victims and their families in your thoughts. There were four mass shootings in six hours in the U.S. this weekend. We must do more to prevent gun violence in this country. This should never happen."
Douglas Kantor had a bachelor's degree in computer engineering and a masters in business from Michigan State University. He worked in IT at the Ford Motor Company and had recently purchased his own house.
“He was loved by all who knew him and had an infectious smile that would light up any room,” his family wrote in their statement. “He was loved by his family, friends and everyone who met him. This senseless tragedy has put an end to all his dreams.”
