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Jacksonville man wounded in shooting saddened he isn't visited by President, family said

By Paige Kelton, Action News Jax

Rodney Sumter Jr. getting hugs from his kids.

By Paige Kelton, Action News Jax

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Jacksonville man who is recovering at the hospital following the mass shooting in Orlando is running a fever and had another surgery Wednesday night, family said.

Paige Kelton has been closely following Rodney Sumter's recovery; for more information, follow her at @PaigeAnJax.

Rodney Sumter Jr. is still recovering at Orlando Regional Medical Center. Lenita Sumter, his mother, told Action News Jax that he is in intense pain and that it has been difficult for him to get comfortable and is needing sedation and heavy pain medications. 

Sumter was shot in the arms and back. He had surgery Monday to repair his arms, but shrapnel was left in his back.

Lenita Sumter also says that her son is running a fever and the doctor suspect he may have an infection. On Wednesday night, Rodney Sumter Jr. had another surgery to remove the shrapnel. Doctors were also trying to figure out the source of Rodney's fever.

His mother has been at her son’s side since Sunday and has not changed her clothes. He asks for his mother every time he wakes up, she said.

“My son wants me by his side," she said.

The surgery Rodney Sumter has scheduled for Thursday was canceled.

Lenita Sumter also said he was devastated to find out that he wasn't chosen for a Presidential visit on Thursday.

The family continues to express gratitude for all the support worldwide. Lenita Sumter said that Josh McGill, the man who saved her son from the shooting, is now part of her family.

The mass shooting at Pulse nightclub Sunday morning killed 49 people and injured 53 others.

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