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Virginia Tech senior Ryan Clark, one of the first victims in Monday’s shooting, exemplified Virginia Tech’s motto "That I May Serve," according to his family, friends and co-workers.

"He was an extraordinary individual. He went above and beyond helping people," said John Barrett, unit manager at the West End Market, a campus dining hall where Clark once worked.

Fellow students speculated in online tributes that Clark, a resident advisor on the fourth floor of the West Ambler Johnston co-ed dormitory where the rampage started, may have been shot when he confronted a gunman who shot Emily Hilscher, who lived next door to Clark.

Clark, 22, a senior from Martinez, Ga., and a member of Virginia Tech’s marching band, was a triple major in psychology, biology and English with a 4.0 grade point average, his family said. He planned to pursue a doctoral degree in psychology with a focus in cognitive neuroscience.

Vernon Collins, the Columbia County, Ga., coroner, said Clark’s mother, Letitie, was in shock when he and a deputy sheriff notified his family at their home.

"It was just a horrible moment," Collins said. "I had to assure her it was real."

Clark’s twin brother, Bryan, said he started to worry when he watched the live news coverage.

"As I was watching the news they mentioned West A.J. where he’s a resident advisor. At that point, your heart just kind of drops out of you, and you begin to speculate and wonder," said Bryan Clark.

Ryan Clark, whose nickname was "Stack," played baritone and was a fifth-year member, the personnel officer and a former co-librarian of the Marching Virginians. He also was a member of Circle K, the student service organization.

Clark’s friends posted online tributes remembering him as honest, caring and energetic.

"He was a loved friend, mentor, and role model who will always hold a special place in the hearts of all the MVs [Marching Virginians] as a true example of The Spirit Of Tech," one commemoration said.

Clark worked for two years serving pizza in a campus dining hall, where co-workers described him as outgoing, caring and friendly.

"He always welcomed you with a smile," said Barrett, who was Clark’s supervisor. "He was one of those rare people. I’m still in shock. It’s hard to comprehend."

"He tried to cheer people up when they were having a bad day," said Marsha Dalton, whose daughters, Courtney and Beverly Dalton, worked with Clark.

— John Cramer

The Associated Press contributed to this report.