EXCLUSIVE: Sign language interpreter who was front and center of Maine mass shooter media briefings reveals she lost close friend in Lewiston bloodbath – one of four deaf people slaughtered by killer Robert Card

The signatory at the media briefings on Maine mass shooter Robert Card lost one of her close friends, who also turned a deaf ear to the killer, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal.

Regan Thibodeau, 44, stands next to officials and dramatically relays their words in American Sign Language for the benefit of hearing-impaired people watching across the country.

She worked with slain Joshua Seal, 36, who was one of four deaf people slaughtered while playing cornhole when Card, 40, burst into Schemengees Bar & Grill and fired an AR-15-style assault rifle.

And in a further tragic twist, Regan revealed that doting dad Joshua would have worked with her during the media briefings had he not been one of a total of eight people murdered in the bar on Wednesday night.

Regan bravely told DailyMail.com after signing at Lewiston City Hall on Friday evening when officials announced Card’s body had been found: ‘I was born and raised here in Maine. My colleague was actually murdered, Joshua Seal.

“He would actually have been the person working with me here. And since he’s gone, I’m working here alone. So he was one of the people we lost.”

Regan said she didn’t want to dwell on emotions, but wanted to emphasize the importance of communicating with everyone despite the obvious pain over the tragedy.

“I am very focused on the work that provides access to services that are of the utmost importance to me because all deaf people are my community, they are my home,” she said.

“And they should have access and the right to know what’s going on.

“It’s so crucial to have this access to communication. So this service is really in honor and memoriam of Joshua. And all the deaf people we have lost.

‘I don’t take the time to process this personally. I’m just focusing on providing communications access.”

Regan, dressed in all black, had been part of the briefings since they started the day after Card’s gruesome massacre at Sparetime Recreation’s bar and bowling alley. She will be present on Saturday, while officials are expected to provide a further briefing on Card’s final moments.

She said: ‘Specifically in this situation it had a direct impact on the deaf community because members of that community had been murdered, four of them at the hands of this gunman.

‘That means that hundreds of thousands of people are watching this news.

“Not only was it important that people whose primary language is American Sign Language would receive that information, but it was also important to see a hearing and deaf interpreter working together so that we can meet the broader range of the language needs of the deaf community – and providing the communications access model for the media.

‘Any time there is an issue that affects the general public, such as health, welfare or public safety, it is important to involve everyone involved so that they all have access to the communications that contribute to the community .’

Card was found dead in the woods on Friday with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, ending a 48-hour manhunt involving more than 300 law enforcement officers.

The Androscoggin Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook: “The suspect in Wednesday evening’s shooting has been located and has passed away.”

Card, 40, was found at 7.45pm near the Lisbon Falls, where his car was abandoned shortly after Wednesday’s massacre. His body was reportedly located near a recycling plant where he was recently fired.

It was unclear how long he had been dead, and Mike Sauschuck, the commander of Maine’s Department of Public Safety, would not say whether he had died as police approached or had been dead for days.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done here on the ground, and a lot of follow-up to be done,” Sauschuck said.

Sauschuck confirmed he is believed to have died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

He added that a hunting ban in the area has now been lifted. Saturday marks the start of deer hunting season and is an important date on the Maine calendar.

The White House released a statement saying the past two days have been “tragic” for the entire country.

“This has been a tragic two days – not just for Lewiston, Maine, but for our entire country,” President Joe Biden said in a statement released Friday.

“Once again, an American community and American families have been devastated by gun violence.

“In total, at least eighteen souls have been brutally killed, more injured, some seriously, and dozens of relatives and friends praying and experiencing traumas no one ever wants to imagine.

“Numerous brave law enforcement officers worked around the clock to find this suspect and prevent the loss of more innocent lives – all while risking their own lives. They are the best of us.

“Tonight we are grateful that Lewiston and surrounding communities are safe after excruciating days of sheltering in their homes.

“I thank Governor Janet Mills for her steady leadership during this time of crisis, and continue to charge my administration to provide whatever is needed to support the people of Maine.

“Americans shouldn’t have to live like this. I once again call on Republicans in Congress to fulfill their duty to protect the American people. Until that day, I will continue to do everything in my power to end this epidemic of gun violence.

“The Lewiston community – and all Americans – deserve nothing less.”