Kendrick Castillo, student killed in STEM school shooting, credited with saving classmates' lives

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. (KDVR) -- The student who died in Tuesday's shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch has been identified and is being credited with helping save the lives of his classmates.

Kendrick Castillo, 18, was a senior at the school. Castillo and at least one other student are believed to have tackled one of the shooters.

"Kendrick lunged at [the suspect], and he shot Kendrick, giving all of us enough time to get underneath our desks, to get ourselves safe, and to run across the room to escape,” senior Nui Giasolli said in an interview Wednesday morning with NBC News.

Giasolli said it began when one of the suspects arrived late to class Tuesday.

"The next thing I know, he is pulling a gun and is telling nobody to move," he said.

Castillo's parents said his heroic actions were unsurprising.

"We're not surprised because that was in his makeup. You know, Kendrick was a giving kid. He would do something to save his friends if he knew he had to do it," said his father, John Castillo.

The parents said Kendrick's quick thinking prevented more deaths.

"If he didn't do it, what would this mess look like?" John Castillo said. "He gave up his life for others."

Kendrick's parents said they were told their son probably did not suffer, as his death was likely instant.

They said Kendrick planned to attend Arapahoe Community College.