DU Alum Killed In Theater Shooting

(above) Aleander Teves & Amanda Lindgren had just graduated from DU with Master's Degrees in Psychology
Alexander Teves [DU '12], a 24-year-old University of Denver graduate student risked his own life to save that of another DU student. Teves had just earned a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from DU. 

According to his girlfriend Amanda Lindgren [DU '12], Teves was shot and killed while shielding her from bullets when a gunman fired during a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises in an Aurora, Colorado. 

"I was really, really confused at first about what was going on, so confused," Lindgren told ABC News. "But, it's like Alex didn't even hesitate. Because I sat there for a minute, not knowing what was going on, and he held me down and he covered my head and he said, 'Shh. Stay down. It's ok. Shh just stay down.' So I did." 

Reports from the incident further indicate that Teves blocked the bullets from Lindgren, but in doing so was shot and killed. Lindgren was not hit. 

"He was my angel that night, but he was my angel every day I knew him," Lindgren said. "I'm broken." 

Lindgren went on speak to ABC's Good Morning America about the relationship she shared with the man who saved her life. 

"My other half was just ripped apart from me and so for me it's still unreal," she said. "I can't picture my life without him. How do you? When someone loves you that much and you love somebody that much...how do you believe that this is real? And of all places. We were in that theater, that specific room. We were just supposed to watch a movie." 

When asked about the shooting that took place at Century 16 Theater on Friday, July 20, Lindgren suggested that Teves was completely aware of the danger he was putting himself in. 

"I know he did. He'd do anything for me. He always told me that, too. I just wish I could have protected him the same way he protected me." 

A Phoenix, Arizona native, Teves had earned his master's degree in psychology in June.  Lindgren, from Albuquerque, New Mexico had earned the same degree.

According to his grandfather, Carlo Iacovelli, Alex Teves was planning to become a psychiatrist.

8 comments:

dggoddard said...

Best wishes to Alex, his family and friends.

Hopefully we can all draw some strength from Alex's final heroic actions.

Eric J. Burton said...

This is truly a sad story...

miller said...

I hope DU does something to honor this hero.

Anonymous said...

RIP Alex. I'm sure the school will honor him.

BCW221 said...

Alex, from what I've read, you seem like a great guy and a lot of fun to be around.

RIP. We won't forget you.

Dunker said...

Very sad! I too am sure DU will honor Alex.

vizoroo said...

Truly a sad day for Alex's family and friends. Atragic day for the country.

Ammo said...

Really sad new, my all sympathies to Alex's family and friends.May he rest in peace.