ORLANDO, Fla., June 14 (UPI) — A doctor at the Orlando hospital where most of the victims from Sunday’s Pulse nightclub shooting were treated said Tuesday he expects the death toll of 49 to increase.
Representatives at Orlando Regional Medical Center briefed reporters Tuesday on the status of patients being treated at the hospital.
Of the original 44 victims brought to the hospital, 27 are still admitted — six of which are in the intensive care unit. Five victims are in a “guarded condition” and 16 victims are in stable conditions. A total of 53 people were injured in the massacre.
When asked about whether the death toll from the shooting could increase, Dr. Michael Cheatham said he “would be surprised” if it didn’t.
Forty-nine people were killed Sunday when a gunman opened fire at the LGBT nightclub in downtown Orlando. Shooting began around 2 a.m. and many of the injured victims remained inside the club until police ended the hostage situation around 5 a.m.
One of the injured victims treated at Orlando Regional Medical Center, Angel Colon, spoke on Tuesday about the massacre during the hospital press conference.
“He’s shooting everyone that’s already dead on the floor, making sure they’re dead,” Colon said during a press conference.
“I can hear the gunshots getting closer and I look over and he shoots the girl next to me,” he said. “I’m next, I’m dead.”
Colon sustained gunshot wounds to his hand and hip. He said he played dead to prevent the gunman from shooting him again.
“This hospital is amazing. if it wasn’t for you guys, I definitely would not be here. I will love you guys forever — for doing that for me,” he said, addressing the staff.
