DENVER (AP) — The family of a man who was among 12 people shot and killed in a Colorado movie theater rampage is thanking the Aurora police chief and his staff for their “kindness and compassion” after the shooting.

In the letter dated Aug. 7, 24-year-old Alex Teves’ family told Chief Dan Oates his hospitality following the July 20 shootings was a “God send.” The letter, written by Alex Teves’ father, Tom Teves, on behalf of the family, also specifically thanked several community members for their support.

The family from Phoenix wrote, “from the moment we arrived we were treated with dignity, respect, and kindness that was overly gracious and generous.”

Teves died while shielding his girlfriend from gunfire during a midnight showing of the new Batman movie. The shooting also left 58 people injured.

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