Woman at Las Vegas massacre gives heartbreaking account of comforting victim: 'He died in my arms'

Names of the 59 victims are beginning to be released. More than 500 people were injured in the shooting

As Heather Gooze was standing outside of the festival grounds, she posted on Facebook about the young man she did not know previously who died in her arms during the deadliest shooting in US history.

In a public post she wrote: "I am ok. I am right outside of the festival grounds. We are not allowed to go anywhere. I am with a young man who died in my arms! RIP Jordan mcildoon from British Columbia. I can’t believe this just happened!!!"

Jordan McIldoon, from British Columbia, Canada, was just 23 and one of 59 dead after a gunman opened fire on the crowd of 22,000 people attending the Route 91 Harvest Festival.

The alleged shooter, Stephen Paddock, shot several rounds of bullets from the window of his 32nd floor room in the adjacent Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

More than 500 people were injured in the shooting as well.

Mr McIldoon was attending the concert of country music star Jason Aldean with his girlfriend.

The man's parents have confirmed their only child’s death.

A registered nurse from Big Sandy, Tennessee, Sonny Melton, was the first official victim to be named.

Mr Melton was reportedly at the festival with his wife Heather, who survived the shooting. Mr Melton's brother-in-law confirmed his death.

Two victims, a 28-year-old woman from Alberta, Canada and an off-duty police officer, are believed to be among the victims but have not been publicly named.

Local hospital officials said emergency rooms have been packed with injured patients with a wide range of injuries from gunshot wounds to injuries sustained in the ensuing rush to get out of the area where bullets were being fired, CNN reported.

A moment of silence was held for all the victims on Capitol Hill and the White House.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police said in a statement that "the identification process of all of the injured and the deceased will take time, so authorities are asking the public for patience.”

People worried about missing friends and family who may have been at the festival can call the police department at 1-866-535-5654 for more information.