Matt McQuinn called a hero for saving his girlfriend

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - David Jackson fought back tears as he remembered his step-son, Matt McQuinn. The 27-year-old was one of the 12 victims shot and killed while watching a movie in Aurora, Colorado.

"I'm proud to call him my son," Jackson. "He was one of the good guys, always there for family and friends if they needed it."

McQuinn was at the movie theater with his girlfriend, Samantha Yowler and her brother Nick. "My wife talked to her son just before they went to the movies and he said, 'Nick is here, we're leaving talk to you later."

According to family members, Matt and Nick both shielded Samantha from the bullets to protect her.

"It's not surprising to me that his first thought would be her. That's what a man does," said Jackson. "He protect his loved ones. I'm very proud of him. I'm gonna miss him."

McQuinn's mom flew to Colorado after hearing about the shooting but didn't learn of his death until late Friday night, according to Jackson.

The McQuinn and Yowler families released the following statement through their attorney on Saturday.

The McQuinn and Yowler families would again like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and concern. Samantha Yowler was hit by a bullet in her knee from the shooting in Colorado. She is recovering from surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. Nick Yowler was unharmed during the incident. Unfortunately, Matt McQuinn perished from the injuries he sustained during the tragic events that unfolded in Denver, Colorado and went home to be with his maker. As both families mourn the loss of Matt, they ask for everyone to give them distance and time. Again, the families thank everyone for their love, prayers and ask that we respect their families' wishes.