NBC News – As a booming arts scene began to transform her hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana, Jillian Johnson became one of its driving forces. She opened a boutique store with her husband, started a t-shirt business with her brother and put together an all-woman country-folk band that attracted a rabid following.
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She seemed to be everywhere.
But on Thursday, Lafayette lost her.
Johnson, 33, was one of two women killed Thursday night by a gunman who opened fire during a screening of the comedy film "Trainwreck."
"She could do everything," a friend of Johnson's, Ann Savoy, told NBC News in an exchange on Facebook. "Pottery, photography, web design, music."
Her husband, Jason Brown, wrote in a statement on the Facebook page for their shop, Red Arrow Workshop, that she was "a once-in-a-lifetime gal. A mother, daughter, sister and a truly exceptional wife."
The second victim was identified 21-year-old Mayci Breaux, who worked in a local clothing store.
Of the nine people injured, police said two had been released from the hospital and the rest were still being cared for.
One of those shot was in critical condition, according to officials.
A teacher, Allister Viator Martin, was among those taken to hospital, her uncle Durwood Viator confirmed to NBC News. "We don't know what happened," he said. "All we know is that she was injured and she is in the hospital."
Martin was in the theater watching "Trainwreck" along with her teacher friend, Jena Meaux, according to a GoFundMe campaign set up to raise money for their medical bills. The page description said it was started by the Iberia Association of Educators and Louisiana Association of Educators.
The page described the pair as "two amazing, strong, beautiful women who risked their lives to save others." It added adding: "These women are heroes in our hearts and need our help."
Drake Meaux, who identified himself to NBC News as Jena Meaux's son, said on Facebook that his mother had "no bone damage and no artery damage, just a soft tissue wound." He added doctors said "she should be fine."
Although he did not mention Martin and Meaux by name, Gov. Bobby Jindalpraised the actions of two teachers who performed acts of heroism as gunfire erupted.
He said one teacher jumped to protect the other, potentially saving her life, while the second managed to pull the fire alarm.
Veteran oilman Dwight S. Ramsay and his wife, Gerri, were injured in the theater shooting, a senior employee of Ramsay's company, Aries Marine Corporation, told NBC News on condition of anonymity. The employee said both were "OK" but was not able to provide further details.
Ramsay is founder, chairman of the board, and CFO of Aries Marine Corporation, which provides support boats to drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico.
An experienced oilman for more than 40 years, Ramsey formed the company in 1981. It now has 26 vessels in its fleet and employs more than 300 people, according to its website.
His son, Court B. Ramsey, is the company's president and CEO. Aries Marine Corporation did not immediately respond to requests for comment by NBC News.