Online donors have raised nearly $2.7 million to support the children of Irma Garcia, a teacher killed in the elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and her husband Joe Garcia, who died of a heart attack a few days later. It was done
Irma Garcia, 46, died on Tuesday while trying to save fourth-grade students from a gunman who opened fire with an assault rifle in her classroom, killing 19 children and two teachers.
Joe Garcia, 50, brought flowers to his wife’s memorial on Thursday morning. He died after falling down moments after returning home. His nephew John Martinez said that his uncle’s death was due to grief.
Garcia left behind four children: 23-year-old Cristian; Jose, 19; Liliana, 15; and Alisandra, 12.
A GoFundMe page founded by Irma Garcia’s cousin, Debra Austin, set an initial goal of $10,000 to support the Garcia family for various expenses after her death.
“Irma was a wife, mother of 4 kids, a cousin, a sister, a daughter, an aunt and a wonderful human being. She could literally do anything for anyone…no questions asked. She loved the kids in her class and died trying to protect them,” Austin wrote.
A few days later, Austin posted an update, adding that Joe Garcia had also died after a medical emergency. “I truly believe that Joe died of a broken heart and had to endure too much to lose the love of his life of over 25 years,” she wrote.
As of Sunday night, the fundraiser had accumulated just under $2.7 million, as donors from across the country and around the world expressed their support and condolences.
“Support from Chicago. The world is thinking of you during these difficult times,” wrote one donor.
Another said, “I have a few words, but I want to support in a small way here from the UK.” “Will often think of Irma and Joe who will live on in people’s hearts, and their 4 kids, and all the school kids and their families. Absolutely devastating. Sending love and strength. ,
The largest donation, over $500,000, came from a separate GoFundMe created by Martinez for the family. The fund also received several other large donations ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Tens of thousands of people donated less than $100.
Other GoFundMe pages have raised thousands of dollars for the families of the Uvalde shooting victims. Page has raised more than $157,000 for Eva Miracles, the second teacher killed by the shooter.
“She leaves behind a daughter, husband and their lovely fur children. Eva really is the definition of a hero. She put her fears aside to protect her students that day,” her sister Maggie Miracles wrote on the page.
