An Iraq War veteran and mixed martial arts fighter whose son turned 6 on Thursday was shot seven times as he blocked the Umpqua gunman from entering a classroom, possibly saving lives during the mass shooting in southern Oregon.
Chris Mintz, 30, was in a hospital on Friday after seven hours of surgery for his injuries in the tragedy, which left nine victims and the shooter dead at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, said former girlfriend Jamie Skinner.
Before and after his surgery, Mintz was conscious and told Skinner of the chaotic scene.