(RNN) – Jonathon Smith has been hailed as a hero after his photo went viral following his life-saving acts during the deadly mass shooting at a Las Vegas country music festival.
The 30-year-old copy machine repairman now has a bullet lodged in the left side of his neck.
The bullet will likely remain there for the rest of his life, according to The Washington Post.
Smith was at the Route 91 Harvest Country Music Festival with nine of his family members, including three nieces and his brother, Louis Rust, who was celebrating his birthday. They were all close to the main stage when the shots rang out.
He formed a human chain to lead his family and dozens more to safety during the shooting, but was shot in the neck when he stood up to warn others to get down.
Smith also suffered a bruised lung, cracked rib and fractured collarbone.
He believed that an off-duty California police officer saved his life by trying to stop the bleeding and getting him a ride to the hospital.
His now-famous picture was shared by thousands on social media after reporter Heather Long posted it.
Many are deeming Smith as a hero.
“I don’t see myself that way. I would want someone to do the same for me,” Smith said. "No one deserves to lose a life coming to a country festival.”
Smith’s girlfriend’s sister, Tiffany Jones, created a GoFundMe page for his medical expenses. The campaign has raised nearly $40,000.
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