City employee Ryan Keith Cox died trying to save others during the Virginia Beach shooting on Friday, May 31.
What We Know…
- According to city employee Christi Dewar, Cox did not run for safety when employees realized there was an active shooter in the building. Rather, he went to check on everyone else and help his co-workers reach safety.
- Cox was an account clerk in the public utilities department for 12 and a half years.
- A public works employee opened fire at a municipal building in Virginia Beach Friday, just hours after he turned in his two-weeks notice after his 15-year career with public works. The shooter was killed after a standoff with police after the shooting.
- The shooting confuses city employees and co-workers of the shooter are confused given the shooter was in “good standing” at the public works office. Virginia Beach City Manager Dave Hansen said the shooter had not had a history of discipline at his job.
- The shooting is the national deadliest of the year, resulting in 12 deaths. Dewar told WAVY that had Cox not made his heroic efforts, many more would have died.
Cox died a hero as Dewar told reporters he made her and others feel safe during the shooting.
