A man who recently moved from Chicago to Florida was among the 49 people killed in the weekend massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando.
Angel Candelario-Padro, 28, worked at the Illinois College of Optometry and Illinois Eye Institute for nearly two years before leaving the city just a few months ago to relocate to Florida with hopes of continuing his education in chiropractic school, coworkers told NBC 5.
"Our staff, faculty, and students are saddened by this tragedy and senseless loss of life," the institute said in a statement. "We will celebrate all that Angel was and draw solace from his life and the imprint he made on our community.”
Described by coworkers as always smiling, dancing and loving life, Candelario-Padro is being remembered for his "kindness, vivacious spirit, and passion for fitness and dancing."
"He was our ICO idol," said Clinic Coordinator Roseanna Thompson.
He started as a customer service associate at the institute but was quickly promoted to ophthalmic technician.
Candelario-Padro's coworkers said he was a registered nurse in Puerto Rico and considered a "healer," always wanting to help people.
"He as so excited and ecstatic to be involved with patient care," said Dominick Opitz, an optometrist at the institute.
Sunday's massacre is considered the deadliest shooting in American history. At least 49 people were killed and dozens more were wounded.
Friends say Candelario-Padro's boyfriend was wounded in the shooting and Candelario-Padro's death was confirmed Monday.
"To see a young person's life come to a screeching halt when he had all these dreams and ambitions to pursue, it's very difficult," said Opitz.
Hundreds gathered in support of Chicago’s LGBT community Monday and to remember the victims massacred in Florida.
The large group, which included Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, convened at Halsted Street for the vigil that became as much a rally as it was a somber remembrance to honor those killed.
“When there is hate, we in the city of Chicago bring love,” Emanuel said.
