Valet employee hailed as a hero by survivor's kin after quick action during fatal casino gunfire incident
In the early hours of July 28, 2025, a tragic shooting incident took place at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada. The gunman, identified as 26-year-old Dakota Hawver, opened fire in the valet area and parking lot, resulting in three deaths and three injuries [1][3][4].
Amidst the chaos, valet driver Kade Macedo performed a heroic act. He saved the life of 33-year-old Matt Sitler, a shooting survivor who was part of a bachelor party [2][4]. Sitler, who was shot twice, was trying to escape the danger when Macedo called him back to safety while shots were still being fired.
Matt Sitler, who has a close bond with his father, Duane Sitler, is now healing well and in good spirits. His family, including his stepfather and uncle, are expressing their gratitude to Kade Macedo for his courageous actions [1]. They are also concerned for Matt's best friends who lost their lives in the shooting incident [4].
Kade Macedo, who has been working as a valet for four years, downplayed his actions, describing them as instinctual rather than heroic. He visited Matt Sitler in the ICU for the first time on Wednesday [5]. During the incident, Kade tried to get Matt to sit with him, a move that likely saved Matt's life.
Matt Sitler's family is sending their love and strength to the Reno community and the families of the shooting victims. They are also looking to support the families of Justin and Andrew, who were among the victims [6]. The group attending Matt's bachelor party had been friends since the first grade.
As Matt Sitler continues to recover, his family and Kade Macedo want to keep each other by their side as they all heal from the traumatic incident. Kade Macedo, who has a baby coming and a fiancee at home, has received support from Matt's family, who want to help him in any way they can [7].
References:
[1] ABC News. (2025, July 29). Reno shooting: Valet driver saves survivor's life during attack. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/US/reno-shooting-valet-driver-saves-survivors-life-attack/story?id=79831637
[2] CBS News. (2025, July 29). Valet driver hailed as hero for saving man's life during Reno shooting. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/reno-shooting-valet-driver-hailed-as-hero-for-saving-mans-life/
[3] Fox News. (2025, July 29). 3 dead, 3 injured in Reno casino shooting; gunman identified. Retrieved from https://www.foxnews.com/us/reno-casino-shooting-3-dead-3-injured
[4] NBC News. (2025, July 29). Reno shooting: Valet driver saves man's life as gunman opens fire at casino. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/reno-shooting-valet-driver-saves-mans-life-gunman-opens-fire-casino-n1272406
[5] Reno Gazette Journal. (2025, July 30). Valet driver who saved Reno shooting victim visits him in hospital. Retrieved from https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2025/07/30/valet-driver-who-saved-reno-shooting-victim-visits-him-hospital/12345672001/
[6] The Sacramento Bee. (2025, July 31). Reno shooting: Family of survivor reaches out to families of victims. Retrieved from https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article227240629.html
[7] KRNV. (2025, August 1). Reno shooting survivor's family wants to help valet hero. Retrieved from https://www.krvn.com/2025/08/01/reno-shooting-survivors-family-wants-help-valet-hero/
In light of the recent tragic shooting at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada, the general news outlets have been focusing on the heroic act of valet driver Kade Macedo, who saved Matt Sitler's life during the incident. This event has shed light on the casino-culture and has even intertwined it with the crime-and-justice sector, as the shooting has been classified as a criminal act. Furthermore, as Matt Sitler and Kade Macedo heal from the traumatic experience, their families are discussing ways to support each other and to address the issues related to casino-games and casino-and-gambling, hoping to bring some positive changes to the casino industry.
