Approximately 95% of Americans wear t-shirts, and two months ago, most of them were in support of and in mourning for the victims of the devastating Pulse Nightclub shooting. But since then, many have begun the path towards healing, including Angel Colon, a survivor of the tragic event.
Despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds and a broken leg on the night of the shooting, Angel Colon took his first unassisted steps on Friday.
This is a significant milestone not only for the community, but for Colon himself as one of the most visible survivors of the tragedy.
The 26-year-old Zumba instructor has devoted himself completely to his recovery, and was even seen dancing a few weeks ago at the annual Zumba Fitness Instruction Convention.
“Ahhhh, took my first steps all by myself,” Colon, who has been using a wheelchair since the shooting, captioned his video on Facebook. “So happy!”
Though Colon’s recovery is nothing short of a miracle, tragedy is still befalling the people of Florida in unlikely ways.
A 27-year-old Florida father was murdered in his own home after an online dating scam over the weekend.
Adam Hilarie was last seen on a date with 18-year-old Hailey Bustos on Thursday night. Afterwards, she texted him and told him she would like to see him again.
The next night, Bustos arrived at Hilarie’s home with three men to rob Hilarie of TVs, an Xbox, and an iPhone. One of the culprits shot him in the head, Deputy Chief Andy Ray said at a news conference.
Andre Warner, 26, Gary Gray, 31, and Joshua Ellington, 26, were also also arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery with a firearm and first-degree murder.
After the robbery and murder, the three men apparently started “celebrating what they had just done,” according to the report.
Most of the stolen items were destroyed, however, after the three got into a fight.
“You just have to remember, you have no idea who you are talking to,” Ray said. “They may present themselves as one thing and be someone totally different.”
Hilarie’s family has set up a fundraising account to help cover funeral expenses. Much like the families of the Pulse shooting, they are preparing to heal.
For Angel Colon, the healing process isn’t over, but it’s taken a significant leap forward.
Colon profusely thanked his doctors, saying, “I will love you guys forever.”
