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Lone Fort Collins Shooting Survivor Identified As CU Student

By Dillon Thomas

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) - The lone survivor of Thursday's fatal shooting near Colorado State University has been identified as Megan Dierker.

In a video statement issued to CBS4, Dierker's father said she is recovering in a hospital in Loveland.

Megan Dierker
Megan Dierker (credit: CBS)

Friends told CBS4's Dillon Thomas Dierker was in Fort Collins to celebrate the birthday of her childhood friend Savannah McNealy.

Dierker traveled from Boulder, where she attends the University of Colorado, to celebrate McNealy's birthday on Wednesday night.

Megan Dierker Savannah McNealy
Megan Dierker with Savannah McNealy (credit: CBS)

Just before 2 a.m. on Thursday, Dierker was one of three gunned down by Michael Zamora, 30. Police said Zamora took his own life after killing McNealy and veteran Tristian Kemp.

Tristian Kemp
Tristian Kemp (credit: CBS)

Police confirmed all four were together, socializing, prior to the shooting.

Dierker was shot but survived her injuries.

"(Megan) just underwent her third surgery, and we are hopeful that she will recover," Chris Dierker said.

Michael Zamora
Michael Zamora (credit: CBS)

Megan Dierker and McNealy were close friends throughout their time at Highlands Ranch High School. Friends told CBS4 the duo often socialized between Boulder and Fort Collins following graduation from high school.

Megan Dierker Savannah McNealy
Megan Dierker with Savannah McNealy (credit: CBS)

Police have not released a motive for the shooting, only saying two rifles and a handgun located at the scene were owned by Zamora.

The Dierker family said they were grateful for the quick response from Fort Collins Police that may have helped save her life.

"The family wants to thank the Fort Collins Police department for the work they have done, and are doing, in this case," Chris Dierker said. "We also want to thank first responders who helped Megan. At the right time, she would like to thank you in person."

Although Zamora was deemed as the sole gunman, the Dierker family still expressed their sympathy to those who knew him.

"Our entire family wants to send our condolences to the families of Savannah (McNealy), Tristian (Kemp), and Michael (Zamora)," Chris Dierker said.

Dillon Thomas is a reporter at CBS4 and a Colorado native. He believes everyone has a story, and would love to share yours! You can find more of his stories by following him on Twitter, @DillonMThomas.

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