Orlando shooting victim who posted chilling Snapchat video ‘had chance to escape but went back for friend’
Brave Amanda Alvear went back into nightclub to save pal
A WOMAN who posted a Snapchat video of the moment a gunman opened fire in a Florida nightclub had the chance to escape but went back to find her best friend, her brother has said.
Amanda Alvear was one of 49 club goers killed when gunman Omar Mateen opened fire at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The 25-year-old trainee nurse posted the chilling Snapchat video through a friend.
Clips initially show her having fun dancing with friends, but moments later the sound of gunfire rings out loudly.
According to the, Amanda's brother has revealed how she almost escaped the bloodbath - but went back to find her best friend.
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Brian Alvear told that his sister's "fierce loyalty" to her friends cost her her life.
He said: "I found out earlier today from another friend of hers that Amanda and her had a chance to escape, but Amanda went back in because she wasn't going to leave without Mercedes.
"She almost made it out.
"She was one of the sweetest, most caring girls you'd ever meet."
Amanda's sister Ashley Velez also paid tribute, saying: "I love you baby girl.
"You were and will always be my baby sister. I'm so heartbroken.
"You could make anyone's day with the smile of yours."
Friend Josean Garcia said: "She was the one I fought with the most ... but somehow we understood each other. We did everything together."
Gunman Omar Mateen, 29, was identified as the shooter by his ex-wife.
He was later gunned down by cops who are believed to have used explosives to distract Mateen after he took hostages.
ISIS has since claimed responsibility for the shooting.
Around 350 people were attending a Latin music event at Pulse, a well-known gay nightspot in the city, and survivors described scenes of carnage as the shooter took hostages inside a bathroom.
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