EXCLUSIVE: Sign language interpreter who took center stage at media briefings on Maine mass shooter reveals she lost a close friend in the Lewiston carnage – one of four deaf people slaughtered by killer Robert Card

The signee of the media briefing on Maine mass shooter Robert Card has 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 officers and dramatically repeats their words in American Sign Language to help hearing-impaired people across the country.

She was working with murdered Joshua Seal, 36, who was one of the four deaf men slaughtered while playing cornhole when Card, 40, stormed into Schemengee’s Bar & Grill with an AR-15 assault rifle.

And in another tragic twist, Regan revealed that loving father Joshua would have joined her in the media briefings had he not been one of eight people killed in the bar on Wednesday night.

Regan Thibodeau, 44, is seen signing during the press conference to announce the death of Robert Card on Friday evening

Thibodeau can be seen at the signing ceremony for Gov. Janet Mills on Friday evening

Joshua Seal, a friend and colleague of Tibodeau, was killed in Wednesday’s shooting

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

“Actually, he would have been the person who worked here with me.” And because he is gone, I work here alone. So he was one of the people we lost.’

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

“I have been very focused on work providing access to services, which is of 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 important to have that access to communication.” So this service is really an honor and a memorial to Joshua. And all the deaf people we have lost.

“I’m not taking the time to process this personally.” “I’m just focused on providing communication access.”

Multiple news outlets are reporting that 40-year-old Robert Card was found dead. Card is accused of killing 18 people in a series of shootings in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday evening

Regan, dressed all in black, has been a part of the meetings since they began the day after Card’s horrific massacre at the Sparetime Recreation bar and bowling alley. She will be on site Saturday when officials are expected to give another briefing on Card’s final moments.

She said: “In this situation in particular, it had a direct impact on the deaf community because there were members of that community who were murdered, four of them were killed at the hands of this gunman.”

“So that means we have hundreds of thousands of people watching these messages.”

“Not only was it important that people whose primary language is American Sign Language receive this information, but it was also important that a hearing and a deaf interpreter work together so that we can meet the broader range of language needs of the deaf community – and.” Providing the communication access model for the media.

“Anytime there is an issue that affects the community, such as health, wellness or public safety, it is important to involve everyone involved so that everyone has access to communications that contribute to the community.”

Card was found dead in the woods Friday with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. This ended a 48-hour manhunt involving over 300 police officers.

The Androscoggin Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook: “The suspect in Wednesday night’s shooting has been located and is deceased.”

Card, 40, was found at 7:45 p.m. near Lisbon Falls, where his car had been parked shortly after Wednesday’s massacre. His body was reportedly found near a recycling plant from which he was recently released.

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

“There is still a lot of work to be done here locally and there is still a lot to be done,” Sauschuck said.

Janet Mills, the governor of Maine, said she was “breathing a sigh of relief knowing that Card is no longer a threat to anyone.”

The 40-year-old is seen on his rampage through Lewiston, murdering 18 people and injuring more than a dozen others on Wednesday evening

Card, a U.S. Army Reserve soldier, launched the first attack on a bowling alley (pictured) around 6:56 p.m., then struck again just 12 minutes later on a bar and restaurant four miles away

Sauschuck confirmed that he probably died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

He added that a ban on hunting 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 last two days had been “tragic” for the entire country.

“These have been two tragic 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 were brutally killed, others were injured, some critically, and dozens of family members and friends prayed and experienced a trauma that no one can imagine.”

“Numerous brave police officers worked around the clock to find this suspect and prevent the loss of further innocent lives – all at the risk of their own.” They are the best of us.

“Tonight we are grateful that Lewiston and the surrounding communities are safe after spending painful days hiding in their homes.”

“I thank Governor Janet Mills for her steady leadership during this time of crisis and continue to direct 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 live up to their commitment to keeping the American people safe. Until that day comes, 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.”