Deaf Signer at Briefings on Maine Mass Shooting Personal Connection Revealed

Regan Thibodeau, 44, who has been providing American sign language interpretation at media briefings regarding the Maine mass shooting, has disclosed a heartbreaking personal connection to the tragedy. DailyMail.com has exclusively learned that Thibodeau lost her close friend and colleague, Joshua Seal, in the horrific incident. Seal was one of the four deaf individuals who were mercilessly killed while playing cornhole at Schemengees Bar & Grill, targeted by the shooter, Robert Card, 40, who unleashed gunfire with an AR-15-style assault rifle. In a disturbing twist of fate, Regan shared that Joshua would have been working alongside her at the media briefings had he not been one of the eight tragic victims at the bar that night. Despite her personal grief, Thibodeau remained focused on her role as an interpreter, emphasizing the vital significance of providing communication access to all, even amidst the pain caused by the tragedy. "All deaf people, they are my community, they are my home," she declared, stressing the importance of ensuring that everyone has the right to be informed. Regan, dressed in black attire, has been a constant presence since the briefings commenced, providing sign language interpretation to the deaf community. On Saturday, she will continue her role as officials are expected to provide a further update on the final moments of Robert Card. Thibodeau has highlighted the impact of the mass shooting on the deaf community, as it directly claimed the lives of members within that community. She underscored the significance of both hearing and deaf interpreters working together to meet the diverse language needs of the wider deaf community and providing a model for communication access in the media. After an intense 48-hour manhunt involving over 300 law enforcement personnel, Robert Card was located dead in the woods on Friday, ending the search. He had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. The commander of Maine's department of public safety, Mike Sauschuck, confirmed the cause of death and mentioned that the hunting ban in the area has been lifted, as Saturday marked the start of the deer hunting season in Maine. President Joe Biden issued a statement expressing condolences and calling for action to end the ongoing gun violence epidemic that has once again devastated a community and its families. The tragic personal connection of Regan Thibodeau, the signer at the media briefings regarding the Maine mass shooting, adds a deeply emotional dimension to the already devastating incident. Her commitment to providing communication access and highlighting the importance of inclusion has been unwavering despite her own personal loss. As officials continue to investigate the horrifying event, the focus remains on understanding the motives behind the deadly attack and taking steps to prevent further acts of gun violence - a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and action.