Minnesotans remember victims of Orlando shooting

(KMSP) - 49 people were killed inside the pulse nightclub in Orlando One of those victims made a significant impact on a Minneapolis bartender, who is grieving the loss of a friend.

34-year-old Eddie Sotomayor of Sarasota, fla. known for wearing top hats, was a leading travel planner for the LGBT community across the country. He was gunned down during a night of dancing with his boyfriend. It was in his role as a travel planner that he met Minneapolis bartender Danny Suelter.

“Everything about him was happy. Everything about him was sweet. Everything about him was spreading joy," Suelter said. 

Suelter, a beloved and longtime bartender at what many consider Minneapolis’ top gay night spot, The Saloon, met Sotomayor during a couple of Caribbean cruises.

Suelter explained that Sotomayor was a bright light, who stood out for his charisma and personality. The pair struck up a friendship and kept in touch through social media.

“I would almost want to compare myself to him in ways,” Suelter told Fox 9. "People say good words about me. He was like me as a bartender. Always wanting to make sure people were happy. Always wanting to make sure people were together. I wanted to be like him. I want to emulate him.”

Following the deadly shooting rampage, Suelter expressed gratitude for the love and support he has received here at home, both at the saloon, as well as the mass show of solidarity in Loring Park Sunday night.