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Popular Central Florida singer killed in Pulse shooting

Shane Tomlinson, 34, performed hours before shooting

ORLANDO, Fla. – Friends of Pulse shooting victim Shane Tomlinson are determined his name doesn't get lost in a list of 49 victims who were shot and killed.

Rahmlee Birch and Zee Renta spoke with News 6 Monday not to tell a story of death, but a story of the most lively man they ever met.

When asked to pick the first word that came to mind to describe Tomlinson, the friends agreed on, "superstar." 
"It was his gift," said Birch speaking of Tomlinson's passion for entertaining people.

Tomlinson modeled and he sang all over central Florida, including Disney and the Hard Rock.

His band Frequency performed at Blue Martini in Orlando Saturday night.

Wrapped by 1 in the morning, Shane then headed to Pulse.

The shooting happened an hour later.

"To be sitting in my living room here today, and to see his name scroll across the list, for him to be the martyr of our friend group is devastating," said Birch.

Birch and Renta as you would expect, shed tears Monday, but they say Tomlinson's story does not end here.
Because with every story of an entertainer, a sharp dresser, a family man and a friend, they say Tomlinson's spirit will carry on with a 'pulse' unbreakable.

"He lived a way too short life, but it was a huge life," said Birch.  He went out like the superstar that he deserves to be."


About the Author
James Sparvero headshot

James joined News 6 in March 2016 as the Brevard County Reporter. His arrival was the realization of a three-year effort to return to the state where his career began. James is from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Penn State in 2009 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

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