Hero saved 30 people during Las Vegas massacre before he was shot in the neck {PHOTOS}

 

A man has been hailed as a hero for saving up to 30 people during the Las Vegas shooting massacre which left 59 dead and 527 injured on Sunday night.

Jonathan Smith was in the city celebrating his brother's 43rd birthday when the gunman Stephen Paddock, 64, opened fire on concertgoers from his suite at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. The shooting sparked mass panic and the crowd watching the Route 91 country music festival opposite began to run in every direction with no idea where the danger was coming from.

As hundreds of bullets whizzed down from the hotel and people dropped dead from all sides, It is believed Mr Smith, from Buena Park, California, helped dozens of strangers get out of harm's way. He continued to get people under cover until he himself was hit by a bullet.

Mr Smith, a father of three young children with his partner Crystal Jones, still has the bullet lodged in his clavicle and it may have to stay there for the rest of his life. His partner's sister, Tiffany Jones Tiffany Jones has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of his medical expenses.

 

She wrote: "Jonathan was shot during the Las Vegas Massacre while trying to secure the safety of others. He was there celebrating his brother's 43rd birthday when shots were fired. According to witnesses, he helped save dozens of lives ushering people to safety before he too was shot and wounded.

"Jonathan Smith is a loving father of 3 children, Jonathan Jr, Jayden Starr, and Julian. He is currently unable to support his family as a result of this horrible event as his body requires time to heal from such an injury. In addition to this, he will need to pay medical expenses - much of which will need to come out of pocket."

Danielle Aguilar, another relative, said: "One of my family members was a victim in the shootings last night!!! He still has a round lodged in his clavicle and a fractured rib!! But he's a survivor!! So thankful you are safe J!!! All my love and strength to you!! Feel Better soon!! See you when you get home!!"

Washington Post reporter Heather Long spoke to Mr Smith while he was in the hospital and he shared his story.

Heather tweeted a picture of Smith and wrote: "Jonathan Smith, 30, saved ~30 people last night before he was shot in the neck. He might live w/the bullet for rest of his life."

Las Vegas Police said 59 people died and 527 were injured in the massacre at around 10pm on Sunday night. It is the deadliest mass shooting in US history. Detectives are still searching for a motive and say Paddock, 64, was the sole attacker.