Sisters of Grand Terrace mom killed in Las Vegas shooting pay emotional visit to blood donors

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Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Las Vegas shooting: Sisters of slain local mom thank blood donors
Several Southern California residents were injured and killed in the deadly mass shooting at a concert near the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

LAS VEGAS (KABC) -- Blood donors in Las Vegas were paid an emotional visit by family members of a San Bernardino County employee who died in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

Amber Harton and Hollie Brown lost their sister, Dana Gardner, in Sunday's shooting. Gardner and her daughter went to Las Vegas for the weekend to enjoy the Route 91 Harvest Festival. Her daughter was not injured.

"There's nothing, nothing anybody could say to make sense of this, nothing," Brown said.

FULL STORY: Las Vegas shooting leaves at least 59 dead

Before heading back to California, Gardner's sisters visited United Blood Services in Las Vegas to say thank you to donors.

With over 500 injured in the shooting, Las Vegas hospitals are full and in need of blood. Some waited in line for over seven hours to do their part.

MORE: Southern California victims in Las Vegas mass shooting

"Unfortunately, our sister didn't make it, but there's so many others there that need help, and hopefully these people can help save their lives," Harton said.

Gardner was a longtime employee of the San Bernardino County Clerk's office and lived in Grand Terrace. Her family can't believe she won't be coming home with them.

"She's a wonderful woman. Most generous person I've ever met. Most wonderful mother, grandmother, sister," both sisters said, wiping tears from their cheeks.

Dana Gardner, 52-year-old mother of Grand Terrace.
Dana Gardner, 52-year-old mother of Grand Terrace.
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Gardner, a 52-year-old Grand Terrace resident, is survived by three children: Anthony, Ryan and Kayla.

*See the full list of victims here.

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In this photo provided by the Mesquite, Nev., Police Department, police personnel stand outside the home of Stephen Paddock on Monday, Oct. 2, 2017, in Mesquite.
Mesquite Police via AP