Colorado shooting victim laid to rest

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) - With heavy hearts, Hundreds gathered at the Maiden Lane Church of God Saturday morning to say their final goodbyes to Matt McQuinn.

The 27-year-old is being called a hero for shielding his girlfriend, Samantha Yowler, from bullets as the gunman shot into a crowded Colorado movie theater.  

"We've all been touched by a tragedy that happened hundreds of miles from us but it's come very close to home for all of us," says Maiden Lane Church of God Pastor Dan Fiorini.

It was a day to celebrate Matt's short but full life.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.  We saw a picture of Matt in that moment of crisis. His immediate response, was to protect the one that he loved," explains Pastor Herb Shaffer, Matt's uncle.

And Samantha, who is still recovering after being hit in the leg by a bullet, was there to remember the man who gave his life for hers.

"He is survived by his best friend and love of his life," comments Shaffer.

To those here in his hometown of Springfield and across the nation, Matt will forever be remembered as a hero.

A fund has been set up to help the McQuinn family with funeral expenses.  If you would like to donate, you can make checks payable to Maiden Lane Church of God, 1201 Maiden Lane, Springfield, Ohio 45504, noting Matt McQuinn Service in the memo section.