The parents of the hero UNC Charlotte student who died after jumping on a gunman when he opened fire in his classroom, saving others' lives, have told of their pride and grief. 

Riley Howell, 21, was one of two students who died in the shooting at the university's campus on Tuesday. Ellis Parlier, 19, also lost his life. 

When gunman Trystan Terrell burst into their anthropology class and opened fire, Howell ran towards him and tackled him to the ground. 

Officials say it bought police time to get to him and stopped the shooting, saving countless lives. 

On Thursday, Howell's parents Thomas and Natalie told Today how proud they were of their son's response to the terror.   

'Everybody ran and Riley chased,' Thomas said. 

'We are just beyond proud of what he was able to do. While kids were running away, our sun turned and ran towards the shooter,' his mother Natalie added.