The husband of Irma Garcia, one of the fourth-grade teachers who died in the Uvalde, Texas mass shooting on Tuesday (May 24), has reportedly died Thursday (May 26), just two days after losing his wife.
Garcia's nephew, John Martinez told People he believes his uncle, Joe Garcia "died of a broken heart." Martinez told the publication his uncle may have suffered cardiac arrest after visiting his wife's memorial and had chest compressions performed on him.
The grief-stricken husband and father "pretty much just fell over," Martinez told reporters.
Irma Garcia and Joe Garcia were high school sweethearts who shared four children together. They had been married for 24 years. Irma Garcia was 46 years old and had been a teacher at Robb Elementary School for 23 years.
Irma Garcia died Tuesday (May 24) after a gunman barricaded himself inside the classroom, killing 19 kids and another teacher, Eva Mierles, were killed.
"She died a hero trying to protect her students," Martinez told People, adding that one of the students who died was found in her arms. "She was a mom to them as well."
"She was a light in every room. She always had joy in her. She was a light to the world. I just really do want her to be remembered as someone who put her life on the line, to the very last moment. She sacrificed herself."
A GoFundMe has been started to help cover funeral expenses.
Reading about trauma can have an impact on your mental health. If you or someone you know need immediate mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. These additional resources are also available:
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
The National Alliance on Mental Illness 1-800-950-6264
The Association of Black Psychologists 1-301-449-3082
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America 1-240-485-1001
For more mental health resources, click HERE.
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.