JK Rowling Had Unique Connection to Orlando Shooting Victim
The author mourns Luis Vielma, who operated a Harry Potter ride at Universal.
— -- J.K. Rowling is among the millions who are mourning the victims of Sunday's Orlando nightclub massacre that killed 49 people and injured 53 -- the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.
The author of the bestselling "Harry Potter" series had a unique tie to one victim: Luis S. Vielma.
Rowling, 50, remembered Vielma on Twitter today, writing: "Luis Vielma worked on the Harry Potter ride at Universal. He was 22 years old. I can't stop crying. #Orlando."
According to Vielma's Facebook page, he worked as a rides attendant and attractions operator at the Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey ride inside Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure theme park.
The theme park's president and COO, Bill Davis, also released a statement regarding the loss of Vielma.
"We are deeply saddened over the loss of our Team Member," it read. "We are working to support his friends and colleagues here at Universal Orlando. Our thoughts and prayers are with Luis, his family and all the victims or this tragedy."
