Facebook Tony and Denise Burditus.
Sunday’s massacre at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival has left 59 dead and more than 500 injured, making in the deadliest mass shooting in US history. Among the victims is Denise Burditus, who attended the concert with her husband of over 30 years.
Denise posted a photo to Twitter about a half hour before the shooting began on Sunday night. Sources and social media posts indicate she and her husband had been looking forward to the music festival for months.
On Monday, Tony wrote on his Facebook page that his wife passed away in his arms. WSAZ reports him as writing, “It saddens me to say that I lost my wife of 32 years… this evening in the Las Vegas shooting… Denise passed in my arms. I LOVE YOU BABE.”
Speaking on Fox News about his wife Wednesday night, Tony Burditus said, “I want the world to know Denise. Get online if you haven’t already and look at photos and see her beautiful smile.”
Tony changed his Facebook profile picture on Monday afternoon to a snapshot of him and Denise kissing. Friends, loved ones, and strangers have commented on the photo. One user wrote, “My heart is broken for you. GOD Bless you and your family.”
Another commented, “Seems like forever ago, but I will always remember the good times hanging out with you guys on Torii beach. Wonderful woman. God bless you and strength to you and your family. Always here for you brother.”
On Facebook, Denise described herself as semi-retired. Originally from Hedgesville, West Virginia, Denise was living in Martinsburg, West Virginia, with Tony and her family. According to ABC7, Denis moved around frequently because of Tony’s military job.
On August 3, Denise updated her Facebook photo to read: “I love you a bunch. You will forever be my always.”
A family member tells WSAZ that Denise and Tony were high school sweethearts at Hedgesville High.
