The pain of the Orlando, Florida, shootings early Sunday morning at the Pulse nightclub has reached even into the fictional world of wizardry and magic. Author J.K. Rowling learned that one of the victims had a Harry Potter connection, and tweeted that she was devastated by the news.
Luis Vielma, 22, worked at Universal Studios on the "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" ride, a 4D dark ride that takes visitors through Potter's world, swooping through a Quidditch match, avoiding Dementors and finally being guided safely down into Hogwarts by Harry himself.
Rowling tweeted about Vielma's death Sunday, and then pinned the tweet to the top of her timeline, so it's the first thing readers see.
Vielma's friends and co-workers were quick to thank Rowling for her support, and to tell her a little bit about their lost friend.
One of Vielma's co-workers used Twitter to inform Rowling that another of the Potter ride workers was also injured in the shooting.
She later tweeted a photo of a rainbow flag hanging at the Palace Theatre in London where "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is being performed, as well as other messages of support for Orlando and the LGBTQ community.
Vielma's father Jose told the U.K. Telegraph that Rowling's words were appreciated. A family friend, JoAnn Sofinowski, told the Telegraph that "as a Harry Potter nut, (Luis) was so happy to have that job."