LEWISTON, MAINE: Ron Morin, a victim of a mass shooting in Lewiston, is being remembered as a "gregarious" and "upbeat guy" who had a positive impact on those around him.
Card, 40, is at the center of a massive manhunt after 18 people were shot dead and 13 left injured at multiple sites in Lewiston, on Wednesday, October 25, marking the deadliest mass shooting in the US in 2023.
Victims of the Lewiston mass shooting
The shooter's callous rampage unfolded at Lewiston's Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley and later continued at Schemengees Bar and Grille, claiming the lives of Bob Violette, Joseph Walker, Joshua Seal, Peyton Brewer-Ross, Bryan MacFarlane, Tricia Asselin, Bill Brackett, Tommy Conrad, Arthur Strout, Steven Vozzella, and Morin.
What makes Card's case particularly challenging for law enforcement is not just the scale of the tragedy but also his background as a highly-skilled outdoorsman and a trained marksman in the US Army Reserve recognized for his exceptional shooting abilities. Card's military career began in 2002 when he enlisted in the Army as a petroleum supply specialist.
Ron Morin remembered as a beacon of positivity in the midst of tragedy
Describing Morin, family member Cecile Francoeur Martin said, "He was just always smiling, happy. Just one of those people that if you are having a bad day, he was going to make your day better just by his presence," BDN reports.
Morin, a regular at Taboo Hair Design on Bates Street in Lewiston, made a lasting impact on those who knew him.
Stylist Rosa Storer, who often tended to Morin's hair, remembers him as "an upstanding man with a lot of joy in his heart." Morin's wife, a long-time client of the salon, shared the heartbreaking news of his death with Storer privately.
“He rarely missed an appointment and was there every other week,” Storer claimed.
"Ron and my mom shared many laughs and stories. He had the best jokes."
As the tight-knit community of Lewiston grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, many, like Storer, are left heartbroken and concerned about the well-being of friends and acquaintances.
As the motive behind the tragic shooting remains uncertain, authorities have characterized Card as "armed and dangerous." The manhunt for the suspect is ongoing, and the public is urged to contact the police if they have any information related to his whereabouts or encounter him.
Tributes pour in for Ron Morin
A cousin of Morin penned on Facebook, "I still have no words. I will try...To my cousin Ron Morin, you have been taken far too soon. Your daily jokes on FB often made my day as I am sure it did everyone. I especially loved the ones your mom should not see You are already missed. Love to my entire family for this tragic loss. RIP Ron.
"To my co-worker Tricia Asselin. We have worked together for over a year. Although we often talked, I feel like i was just now really getting to know you as a friend. Hugs to your family. They were everything to you and I have learned in the last 24 hours, you were everything to them. RIP Tricia.
"I do not know if Ron and Tricia ever crossed paths in our community. They are both kind, fun loving, outgoing and very involved in local sporting leagues. To the other 16 lives lost and 13 injured and the entire community"
Another added, "It’s with a heavy heart I make this post rest in peace Ron Morin Joseph Walker Peyton Brewer-Ross we all were supposed to have some laughs tonight @ Turfs Cornhole league but it was all ended too soon due to unforeseen violence you all will be missed by the Cornhole community and impact you guys made with your bright smiles and joke I’ll miss you guys I’ll miss talking in between games and rounds the jokes back and forth the competition with y’all I’m glad I got to know you guys until we meet again !!
"And to everyone in our cornhole community it’s okay to feel sad angry lost unsure all these emotions are okay and if anyone needs to talk I am here feeling all the same emotions and one message away from everyone."
A third stated, "Thank you for all of the birthday wishes. It means a lot. Unfortunately, it was a birthday to remember for the wrong reason. 4 friends were killed in the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine. R.I.P. my friends, Ron Morin, Billy Brackett, Peyton Brewer-Ross and Joseph Walker. Alan Jr Nickerson and Benjamin Dyer keep fighting."
"It's AMAZING how some people can bring you happiness, laughter and joy just by being around them. You Ron Morin were one of those people! It breaks my heart and send shivers up my spine that you were a victim of this horrible act. Your Coca-Cola family mourns your loss as are all in shock. Thanks for being a friend," read a comment.
A user claimed, "I’m in shock and devastated by the news of Ron Morin passing . It's incomprehensible that someone who radiated so much light and positivity could be taken from us in such a tragic way. I can still hear his voice saying 'wasssss upppp kenzzzz' in my head. Ron was the embodiment of kindness, love, and laughter. My heart is heavy, and my thoughts and prayers are with the Morin family today and always."