On the evening of October 25, 2023, a tragedy unfolded in Lewiston, Maine, forever changing the lives of many. Among the victims of this senseless act of violence was Thomas Ryan Conrad, a 34-year-old White / Caucasian male, who died a hero. Conrad was the manager at Just in Time Recreation, a local bowling alley, where he was working when a gunman opened fire.
Witnesses recounted how Conrad, without hesitation, confronted the shooter in an attempt to protect the families and children
present. His courageous actions that night were a testament to his character, as friends and family described him as someone who would always jump into action to defend others. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Northern Iraq, a history that perhaps prepared him for the bravery he displayed in his final moments.
The man responsible for this devastating event, Robert Card, was later found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, bringing an end to the immediate search for a suspect. For the community of Lewiston and the loved ones of Thomas Conrad, the loss remains immeasurable. He was remembered not only for his heroic sacrifice but also as a devoted father to his young daughter, Caroline. His commitment to her was the driving force in his life, and he had moved back to Maine to be an active part of her upbringing. He was a man known for his serious demeanor but also for a deeply compassionate heart.
