Funerals are being planned for victims of last week’s mass shooting in a Thousand Oaks bar, with law enforcement and city officials stopping by the Camarillo funeral home where one victim will be laid to rest Wednesday evening.
A service is scheduled at 7 p.m. for Cody Gifford-Coffman at Perez Family Chapel in Camarillo. The 22-year-old died while trying to save others in the mass shooting last week, according to family members.
He and 11 others were slain Nov. 7 when a gunman attacked the Borderline Bar & Grill during a country music dance night that drew area college students and other young people.
Ahead of the service, loved ones gathered at the Camarillo funeral home to share memories and pay tribute to the 22-year-old.
“I have to stay strong,” his father, Jason Coffman, said. “My heart goes out to all the victims.”
He also expressed his condolences to the mother of the shooter.
“That has to be … 12 times harder to lose your son and then the grief you have to go through for what happened,” he said.
A memorial service will be held Thursday for Ventura County sheriff’s Sgt. Ron Helus, who was fatally shot when responded to the bar and exchanged gunfire with the gunman, who ultimately killed himself.
The 29-year veteran of the force will be mourned at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village and interred nearby at Pierce Brothers Valley Mortuary and Cemetery.
KTLA’s Marissa Wenzke contributed to this article.