PHOENIX (CBS5) -
On the same day that the suspected theater shooter made his first appearance in Colorado, loved ones of Alex Teves spoke out.
"Alex was my first-born son. I love him with all my heart," said a tearful Tom Teves. "Alex was all about life," he said.
That life was full of family and friends. Alex Teves, 24, had just earned his master's degree in psychology last month from Denver University. He got his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona, and attended Desert Vista High School in Ahwatukee, where he wore blue jeans and a white T-shirt every day.
"Halfway through senior year, they, for no reason, they decided to have 'Alex Teves Day.' Four hundred to 500 kids came to school in blue jeans and a white T-shirt," said his dad.
"People respect people that are great. And that's just what we could see that day. Everybody loved Alex," said Ty Carlson, one of Alex Teves' best friends.
"I'm proud of him. I'm so proud that I have a friend that was so selfless and was a hero," said Carlson.
Alex Teves was one of 12 victims who died in that Colorado theater. He went down saving his girlfriend, Amanda Lindgren. "I wouldn't be here without him," she said.
Carlson last spoke to Alex Teves this past week. He's still coming to grips with the fact that one of his best friends is gone.
"You wanted to be like him, because you knew he was doing something right," said Carlson.
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Ty Carlson, left, with friend Alex Teves, who was killed in the Colorado theater massacre.
Alex Teves died saving his girlfriend, Amanda Lindgren
