LEWISTON, MAINE: Arthur Strout, 42, a father of five, was among the 18 victims killed in the Maine mass shootings on October 25.
Strout was playing pool with his father, Arthur Barnard, at Schemengees Bar and Grill in Lewiston, Maine, before the shooting occurred.
Barnard left the bar before the shooting that killed Strout; however, Strout decided to stay, reported CBS News.
The prime suspect, Robert Card, 40, opened fire at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley, and the Schemengees Bar, killing 18 people and injuring 13.
The police are still in search of the suspect.
Who was Arthur Strout?
Strout was from Lewiston, Maine. He had been married to Kristy Strout since 2016.
Strout's death came as a shock to his family.
"I left 10 minutes before this happened. He was supposed to leave with me and he decided he wanted to stay for a couple more games," said his father Barnard after the tragic news.
"People loved him. They just loved him," the devastated father remembered his son.
"He tried to be tough with his kids, but at the same time he was just, he was a great dad," said Barnard. "I just was proud of him."
Strout's wife remembered her late husband with great pain. "He's helped me raise my children since they were very, very little," she said.
"His daughter's only 13 and without a dad because of all of this. Because of one man's choices, my daughter has to grow up without a father," she added.
Strout's brother, Tyler Barnard, has created a GoFundMe fundraiser to support the victim's family.
Friends and family mourn Arthur Strout's death
People are pouring their tributes on Facebook, mourning Strout's untimely death.
"I woke up this morning like the last 2 days was just a nightmare… I'm just so lost for words. my brother Arthur Strout was taking from me, my big brother, the other guy in my life I could depend on or call. I just seen him 3 days ago getting advice for my kids. As I am a new parent I was always able to count on you, I've always tried to compete against you in everything, was always jealous because you were better at it all but I've always come close," a Facebook tribute from his brother Barnard read.
"You've always challenged me at everything, now I hate to be the lil big brother and have all this weight without you here, but the one thing we do best is to be here and be strong for our family," he continued.
"I love you man and I'll still be here being your lil big brother, your not gone because you've given all of us a piece of your love. I love you man," Barnard added.
Another user wrote, "I love you bro Arthur Strout may you rest in peace. Your life was taking way too soon."
"I am so sorry for your loss brother. This senseless act will resonate though all our lives for a long time. So many good people lost. My heart is broken for my town, my friends and all those suffering," commented one user.
Another said, "I am so sorry for your loss. That's absolutely devastating. Praying for you and your family my friend."
"I am so absolutely horrified these children will no longer get to see their fathers, mother, or family members," someone else commented.
