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Thousand Oaks Bar Shooting Victims
Thousand Oaks Bar Shooting Victims
Obituary
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Thousand Oaks Bar Shooting Victims Obituary
The shooting happened at the Borderline Bar & Grill, a popular country music bar with college students.
Ventura County Sheriff Sergeant Ron Helus was one of the first to respond to the shooting. He and a California Highway Patrol officer ran into the bar where Helus was shot. Fellow officers are calling him a hero.
An emotional Sheriff Geoff Dean talked about his friend.
“He knew the risks, but he knew, like we all do, why we serve,” Dean said. “Ron was a hardworking, dedicated sheriff's sergeant. He was totally committed. He gave his all. And tonight ... he died a hero. He went in to save lives, to save other people.”
California Governor Jerry Brown released a statement on the shooting.
“Our hearts ache today for the victims of this heinous act and our deepest condolences are with the Thousand Oaks community and those who lost friends and loved ones. “We are grateful for law enforcement and others, including Ventura County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ron Helus, who took heroic action to save lives last night.”
Profiles of other victims have been published in the Ventura County Star.
Justin Meek, 23, was a recent California Lutheran University graduate. University President Chris Kimball said that Meek “heroically saved lives” during the tragedy.
Cody Coffman, 22, was head umpire for a baseball league and was looking to join the Army. His father, Jason Coffman said, “There are so many people that he touched and now they are going to be just as heartbroken as I am.”
Alaina Housley, 18, was a student at Pepperdine University. She was an honors student in high school and played soccer and tennis. Housley was the niece of actress Tamera Mowry-Housley and journalist Adam Housley. The couple talked to the Hollywood Reporter about the tragic death of their niece.
"Our hearts are broken." "We just learned that our niece Alaina was one of the victims of last night’s shooting at Borderline bar in Thousand Oaks. Alaina was an incredible young woman with so much life ahead of her and we are devastated that her life was cut short in this manner. We thank everyone for your prayers and ask for privacy at this time."
Noel Sparks, 21, was majoring in art at Moorpark College. Her aunt, Patricia Sparks, said that Noel was an "all-around good girl. She was the kind of girl that if you had friends, you'd want them to marry her."
Telemachus “Tel” Orfanos, 27, had survived the Las Vegas shooting and had helped paramedics treat victims during that tragedy. He had served in the Navy and sometimes worked as a doorman at Borderline Bar but was not working in that capacity the night of the shooting.
Sean Adler, 48, was a bouncer at Borderline Bar & Grill. He was a strength coach at Royal High School and owner of Rivalry Roasters coffee shop.
Dan Manrique, 33, was a Marine veteran. He was a member of Team Red White & Blue, a veterans organization. "Dan's life was dedicated to serving others, during his military career and beyond," said John Pinter, executive director of Team Red, White & Blue.
Blake Dingham was 21. His brother Aidan posted on Instagram, "Blake, I love you so much and I miss you more than you can imagine."
Mark Meza, Jr., 20, Jacob Dunham, 21, and Kristina Morisette, 20, also died in the tragedy.
We invite you to share condolences for the victims in our Guest Book.
More coverage from the Ventura County Star.
107 Entries
Carson loveless
December 20, 2024
Condolences to their families
August 31, 2019
Its sad how 12 lives were taken from this world in Thousand Oaks, CA. RIP to the victims....
Therese M
December 14, 2018
With heartfelt compassion loss. May comfort to you to know that God will seek vengeance and your behalf as promised at Psalm 72:14 from oppression from violence he will rescue them. And their blood will be precious in his eyes.
December 7, 2018
Breaking heart to know that so many lives were tragically lost. My sincere condolences to the families who mourn the loss of their loved ones. God will comfort and sustain you during this difficult time because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6,7)
How you can show support
Minns Family
November 30, 2018
I offer you my thoughts prayers and well - wishes during this dark time in your life . May God wrap you in peace and love
lw
November 21, 2018
Prayers to God for all the families and friends of those who loss their lives. May your precious memories help you during this most difficult time of sorrow. May you be comforted by loving caring friends now and in the days ahead.There is hope.
John 6:40
Comforting help for all the families
Dawn Bentleu
November 19, 2018
Jackie
November 19, 2018
For those who lost so much we pray
For those who mourn we pray
We pray that family and friends embrace each other during this stressful time
We pray they receive peace from above
We pray they feel the love we are sending your way
Karen Ohara
November 17, 2018
Rip to all that have passed you have my sympathy and condolences God bless you all God be with all of you
Anonymous Anonymous
November 17, 2018
I met Sergeant Ron Helus around end of 2001 beginning of 2002. I had been working as a informant for the Ventura County Sheriff's Department and the Officer I was working for was retiring he asked me to meet Officer Helus so I could continue with what I was doing for the Department. I wasn't in trouble I was doing what I was because I wanted to. I met with Officer Helus and I was happy I did. He told me he would not put me in harm's way of I didn't feel comfortable doing a buy that was ok he would find another way to get the person he said it was his job to protect the Conejo Valley and the residents and he was going to do just that and he did. You never saw him back down he was always the first one in the door when I did what I was asked to do. He always made sure I was out of harm's way first before anything and after it was all done he always asked how I was. I am so happy that I met Sergeant Helus I had not talked to him for a few years and I was going to call him the following day this tragedy happened. He was a hero to all of the Conejo Valley residents current and former as well as the world. Of you had the pleasure of meeting him he's the one person you would never forget.This man was brave he had so much courage. He had an awesome narcotics team that worked with him. I can't give my name due to what I have done for the Ventura County Sheriff's Department but I can tell you that when God created Sergeant Helus He broke the mold there will never be another one like him. He loved his wife and son so much I pray they start to heal soon its an awful feeling to loose someone. It takes a long time to heal its something you never really get over. I wish I could have seen or spoken to him again I would always tell him he would make an impression on the world and he did just that. Ron rest in peace my friend God must have needed you. You will always be #1 and America's Hero
Valenda Newell
November 16, 2018
PRAYERS
November 16, 2018
Mi condolencias para las familias y amigos de las víctimas que perdieron sus vidas en este terrible tiroteo. Dios nos promete quitar "toda lágrima en nuestro rostro y qué la muerte no será más" (Revelación 21: 3, 4). Que Dios les siga dando las fuerzas y ánimo para todas estas familias que triste mente están en duelo.
November 16, 2018
My deepest condolences to all the families who lost a beloved one .Jeremiah 29:11
Lee R.
November 16, 2018
My condolences go out to the family of the Bar shooting in California. What a sad time we live. 2 Tim 3:1-5
MR. &MRS. CHARLES G TURNER, SR. & FAMILY
November 15, 2018
A VOICE HAS BEEN SILENCED
BY: CHARLES G. TURNER, SR.
TODAY OUR HEARTS ARE HEAVY WITH PAIN
BECAUSE OF THE SORROW HURT AND DISDAIN
A VOICE HAS BEEN SILENCED FROM THIS LAND
AND NOW WE HAVE TO PUT THIS GRIEF IN GOD'S HAND
FOR THIS LOSS WE WONDER WHY
AS WE PRAY MOURN AND CRY
IT IS HARD FOR THE MOTHER WHO GAVE BIRTH
TO NO LONGER SEE HER CHILD'S FACE OR HEAR HER CHILD'S VOICE
BECAUSE HER CHILD HAS BEEN SUDDENLY TAKEN FROM THIS EARTH
IT IS HARD FOR THAT FATHER WHO HAS ALSO GUIDED HIS CHILD'S HAND
AND NOW SUDDENLY HIS CHILD WILL NO LONGER WALK OR TALK ON THIS LAND
TO THE WIVES , LOVED ONES AND FRIENDS
WHOSE FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE SUDDENLY COME TO AN ABRUPT END
AS THE DAYS PASS AND WE CONTINUE TO SURVIVE
WE HAVE TO STRUGGLE TO KEEP THEIR MEMORIES ALIVE
AS WE ALL BAND TOGETHER AND HOLD TO GOD'S POWERFUL HAND
WE MUST KEEP THE SPECIAL MEMORIES OF THOSE WHO WE WILL NO LONGER HEAR LAUGH, SEE THEIR SMILES OR HEAR THEM CRY
AND FOR WHAT REASON WE WILL NEVER KNOW WHYTHESE BEAUTIFUL SOULS HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM THIS LAND
WE HAVE TO TAKE THIS TO GOD IN PRAYER CAUSE HE WILL TRULY UNDERSTAND
WHY THESE VOICES HAVE BEEN SILENCED AND HAVE NOW JOINED THE HEAVENLY BAND
L. B.
November 15, 2018
May Almighty God strengthen and comfort all the families who loss a loved one in this senseless act of violence.
Dominique Martin
November 14, 2018
RIP to all the victims of this senseless shooting. Love and condolences to the victim's families.
November 14, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
rp
November 13, 2018
Sentimos mucho su dolor. Le pedimos a nuestro Dios por todos los heridos que sobrevivieron este tragico acontecimiento y que la paz y la fortaleza de Dios sostenga a los familiares y amistades de las victimas y de los heridos durante estos dias tan dificiles para todos. Descansen en paz todas las victimas. Que Dios los bendiga.
CF
November 13, 2018
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the families and friends of the Thousands Oaks Bar Shooting Victims.
SJ
November 13, 2018
Please accept our sincere condolences to all of the families affected by this tragedy. To those who lost love ones, hold on to those precious memories and moments - let them fortify you and allow the God of peace to give you comfort as there is much healing ahead for you.
lourdes Baca Riquetti
November 13, 2018
Nuestro mas sincere pesame...Bendiziones
April Joye Ferguson- Lourdes L Baca Riquetti. Julia Riquetti Avitia y familgia
My sincere condolences.
D.H.
November 13, 2018
Bob Taylor
November 12, 2018
May you RIP, sincere condolences to all and wishes of peace to all.
Stephanie Schell
November 12, 2018
May God be with your souls.
Stephanie Schell
November 12, 2018
My prayers are with everybody during this terrible tragedy.
Rose
November 12, 2018
My Condolences to the family of Telemachus Tel Orfanos, may the God of comfort be with you.
O-Cleveland
November 12, 2018
My Condolences to the family of Noel Spark, i'am so very sorry for your tragic loss,may God bless you.
O Hale
November 12, 2018
So sorry for the loss of Cody Coffman in this tragic events may God be with you.
Michael Richter
November 12, 2018
May the God of all confort strengthen the familys that 12 victims during theis time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes.My sincerest condolences. Psalm 116:15
November 12, 2018
Please accept our deepest condolences, we hope family and friends, can find comdorothydot1939fort in God's word at this time of sadness. Jeremiah 29:11.
November 12, 2018
To family and friends of dearly beloved ones, whose lives were tragically lost. May the God of all comfort and mercy give
SUE ANN
November 12, 2018
MY CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF THE FAMILIES THAT LOSS LOVE ONES IN THIS SENSELESS KILLING.MAY THE GOD OF TENDER MERCIES AND COMFORT BE WITH YOU ALL.
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
November 12, 2018
My deepest condolences to all the families.Losing a love one brings sorrow to all. Bust rest assure God knows your pain and he keeps track of your tears by recording them in his book. Draw your strength from Him during this difficult time.
Psalm 56:8
Char
November 12, 2018
May the God of comfort strengthen the families during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. - Psalm 116:15.
Loretta Shields-Hayes
November 12, 2018
I would like to send prayers to the 12 victims who lost their lives in such a cowardly act , may our God welcome them home , and to the families prayers go up for you all as well.
November 12, 2018
Deeply saddened to hear of more senseless deaths. Condolences to all affected by this tragedy. May comforting thoughts and prayers comfort the families.
Evette
November 12, 2018
My heartfelt sympathy is with your family's at this time. May the God of comfort and peace give your family peace
T F
November 12, 2018
This is for Sergent Helus and all the others who have been taken. Thank you for your service you are all and will forever be our hero's.....
Prevent The Fallen Hero
(to those who risk their lives daily for us)
Everyday as they get ready for work,
they push aside the possibility that they may not make it home.
Everyday as they walk out that door,
they try to reassure their family that they will be coming home.
When they put on that vest,
they pray that it will serve its purpose if it is needed.
When they put on that belt,
they pray that nothing on it will fail upon use.
When they pull up to a house or building,
they pray that everything will be routine. No surprises.
When they pull over that vehicle on the road,
they pray that everything will be routine. No surprises.
Cowardliness results in surprises.
Surprises cause injuries.
Ignorance and fear results in surprises.
Surprises take lives.
Everyday as they get ready for work,
they push aside the possibility that they may not make it home.
Everyday as they walk out that door,
they try to reassure their family that they will be coming home.
When they put on that vest,
pray that it will not have to be put to use.
When they put on that belt,
pray that they don't need to use anything on it.
Honesty and integrity prevents surprises.
Surprises can cause injuries.
Honour and respect prevents surprises.
Surprises can take lives.
Dee
November 11, 2018
I extend heartfelt sympathy to those affected by this tragedy. "May the Lord of peace himself give you peace constantly in every way. May the Lord be with all of you." - (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
A Caring Citizen
November 11, 2018
My heartfelt condolences go to all of the victims and their families. Such a senseless tragedy. They will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Leroy&Cindy Phillips
November 11, 2018
To the Cody Coffman family .I have been following this terrible tragedy on tv.Your son Cody reminds me of my son Eric who also umpired .I can not imagine the heart ache you are going through.Cody maybe gone but his memories will last forever.May God bless you and your family and may Cody rest in peace.
Roita Bell
November 11, 2018
My heart grieves for those who lost their lives in the Thousand Oaks bar shooting. My prayers are with the families of the victims. 2 Cor 1:3 The God of all comfort, he comforts us so we can comfort others in their time of loss.
Jerry Dawley
November 11, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Dunham family. Jake will never be forgotten he is in Heaven looking down on all us.
November 11, 2018
With heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of all the victims of the mass shooting in Thousand Oaks California.
May God' s loving comfort be with you all that there is hope for the ones we lost in death. ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:14.
Sharon
November 11, 2018
May the peace of God be with all family that lost loved ones in this horrible tragedy
2Thessalonians 1:2
Jose Maria
November 10, 2018
Death is not necessarily the end of our existence. "The righteous shall inherit the earth, and live in it forever." 37:29. Sincerely feelings.
Valenda Newell
November 10, 2018
All the innocent lives that were lost will always be remembered for this senseless crime. No words can make the pain go away, but the families keep comfort and peace and know that their memories will live on in the hearts of all who loved them.PRAYERS and BLESSINGS
November 10, 2018
My prayers are with the familes. God bless
Alice Silva. West - Hartford Ct
Jim and Chris Romar
November 10, 2018
I am so sorry for this senseless tragedy that has caused the lives of your loved ones. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you.
Diana Patton
November 10, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with the families. Give them strength through this time.
Isabel Dominguez
November 10, 2018
My prayers are with all affected by this tragedy. God bless us all.
Sandy Wong
November 10, 2018
May god help heal every one whom this has affected. This is such a tragedy. May god bless you all and keep you all safe our thought and prayers to every one
James Ryein and Kelly Troiano
November 10, 2018
Our thoughts and prays are with you.
God Bless
Linda
November 10, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for all your Families. God will help you make it through this
It breaks my heart. God bless you all.
Rachel
November 10, 2018
My deepest heartfelt condolences to all the victims families of this horrible tragedy. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together and may deep prayer provide peace of mind and strength to continue forward.
T. Holmes
November 10, 2018
My heart aches with yours. During this grieving period, may you find it comforting accepting support from family & friends. Our prayers are with you.
November 10, 2018
I'm so sorry for your losses.
November 10, 2018
Prayers ~
November 10, 2018
TO ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE OAKS BAR VICTIMS. I AM TRULY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MAY THE FOND MEMORIES OF YOUR CHILDREN BE WAS A WARM BLANKET TO COVER YOUR HEART DURING THIS HORRIFIC TRAGEDY. PLEASE KNOW THIS OS NOT GOD`S FAULT, HE IS THERE TO HEAR YOUR CRIES, AND COMFORT YOU. JEREMIAH 29:11.
November 10, 2018
To all the families, may the God of all comfort sustain you at this time of such great loss.
James n Patricia Sassaman
November 10, 2018
WITH DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO ALL WHO HAVE LOST LOVED ONES IN THIS TRAGEDY .MAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN LOVING MEMORIES OF YOUR LOVED ONES.
GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY HIS ANGELS WRAP THEIR WINGS AROUND YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE.
WITH SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS GOING OUT TO ALL..
James and Patricia Sassaman (Trexlertown, Pa.)
A G
November 10, 2018
My deepest condolences to the families of this senseless shooting. I sincerely pray that God comforts you through this grievous unexpected trial.
November 10, 2018
So sad. To the families, friends, deputies, and everyone who helped and are caring for the injured, and the citizens of Thousand Oaks--- I send you my sincerest sympathy.
The departed are now with the Lord in the heavenly body of Angels.
EB, FL
November 9, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family of the 12 victims of this horrible tragedy, may you all take comfort in family and friends during this most tragic time.
Solar Turbines Dept. 046
November 9, 2018
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Sheila
November 9, 2018
God bless all those who lost loved ones.
Diane Ramos
November 9, 2018
It such a sad thing to lose love one in death, mine heart go out to all the family. May the god of comfort be with you,
Wanda
November 9, 2018
I am so sorry for the senseless loss of so many innocent young people. May the God of all comfort console each of every family member at this challenging time in your lives.
M B
November 9, 2018
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Scott Chamberland
November 9, 2018
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
Alishia
November 9, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lynn
November 9, 2018
May the God who "binds up the broken-hearted" and "comfort all who mourn" sustain your family during this challenging time.- Isaiah 61:1,2.
A Gibbs
November 9, 2018
Prayers be with all who loss loved ones.
November 9, 2018
My condolences.
Annie
November 9, 2018
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Our prayers and sincere sympathies goes out to all the families who loss their loved ones. May the thought of knowing that family and friends share in your grief bring you a measure of comfort. Proverbs 17:17.
M
November 9, 2018
All my Prayer s too these Family's who lost there Loved ones. I Hurd Cody saved a Lady that's very Brave of him. They should give a meddle too His Father for Cody well wishing. Even too the police Man for saving them Young People. I'm very sorry .
Adrian Barnette
November 9, 2018
We'll miss you !
November 9, 2018
Dear Family and Friends,we extend our
heartfelt sympathy to
you.May our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ give
to you HIS comfort and
peace in your hearts
today and the days to
ahead. You are in our
"Prayers" and thoughts.
The Hall Family,S.C.
R. C.
November 9, 2018
My condolences to the Families and Friends of this senseless tragedy. It's my hope that you find comfort in knowing that Almighty God is near to those crushed in spirit and that he cares for you.
Leslyn Lloyd
November 9, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends that loss there love ones in this tragedy.
Nancy Woodwell Freedman
November 9, 2018
When will the madness stop? My thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences to the families, friends, associates of the innocent victims and the citizens of Thousand Oaks. Prayers, too, for those who are recovering their wounds and for the brave first responders. May the innocent victims rest in eternal peace and may the perpetual light shine upon them.
Alicr Hoekstra
November 9, 2018
My condolences to everybody. Awfully . This has to STOP!!!!!
RC.
November 9, 2018
With heartfelt sympathy, I'm truly sorry for the VICTIMS FAMILIES during this most difficult time. Please find comfort in the words recorded in Proverbs 2:21, 22
Yvonne
November 9, 2018
I am so disheartened by this latest tragedy. It seems that we are hearing about this every week. So sorry to those who lost loved ones. Praying for peace. Sincerest condolences.
ROGER DUGAS
November 8, 2018
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL THE VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES. FOR THE 12 BEAUTIFUL LIVES LOST, HEAVEN HAS GAINED 12 BEAUTIFUL ANGELS. I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSING A LOVED ONE. DEAR LORD, COMFORT THESE FAMILIES. BRING THEM PEACE AND LIFT THEM UP, FROM THEIR GRIEF. I PRAY IN JESUS HOLY NAME,AMEN.
Jennifer Frenkil
November 8, 2018
May each affected family , in CA, find solace that one day each grieving family member shall be reunited in Heaven one day ! May all the victims RIP ! Heaven has gained new Angels !
God Bless You, all the affected families in this most sorrowful time !
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