SHARE

New York Native ID'd In Las Vegas Mass Shooting Was Father Of Six

A New York native is among the 59 dead and more than 500 injured during the country's worst mass shooting event when a gunman opened fire at a country music festival in Las Vegas on Sunday.

John Phippen, 56

John Phippen, 56

Photo Credit: GoFundMe

John Phippen, who is originally from Hempstead in Nassau County, was at the festival with his son Travis, who was also shot, when the gunfire erupted, according to a GoFundMe page set up to help take care of the six children he leaves behind. 

One of the 56-year-old Phippen's son's Nate, posted on his Facebook page his brother, Travis, an off-duty LA County EMT, "carried my dad, who is now deceased, out of the dead zone - after being shot himself." He went on to say that his brother stayed and helped save 14 other people's lives after being shot. 

The GoFundMe page, set up by a close family friend, says John Phippen was a family man and loved all of his children and his one grandson. They went on to write: "He was a simple man who enjoyed the simple things in life and having fun doing them. He had your back from the moment he met you and by having your back that could mean, having a cold beer in your hand when yours was empty or if you needed help with your car or in our case, your sandrail, your house or you just needed to chill. Even if you were someone he had never met before but were in need, he was there for you."

Phippen moved to California from Hempstead and was the owner of JP Specialties, a home remodeling company in Santa Clarita, Calif. 

At a news briefing Tuesday, Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo said the 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, of Mesquite, had cameras in his room and outside in the hallway on the 32nd floor.

To date, Lombardo said that all but three victims have been identified and hail from around the country and from other countries. 

Paddock opened fire on concertgoers from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel using high-powered rifles. Police found more than 42 guns in two hotel rooms, in his car, and at his home.

On Wednesday, Paddock's girlfriend returned to the country and is being questioned by the FBI and the Las Vegas Police.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal is reporting that Paddock was prescribed anti-anxiety drugs in June, but was unable to speak with his doctor about any other underlying issues. 

To donate to the GoFundMe effort for the Phippen family, click here. To date, more than $41,000 had been raised. 

to follow Daily Voice Fairfield and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE