Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, 49, was killed on June 12, 2016, during the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. She was at the club with her 21-year-old son, Isaiah Henderson, when the gunman opened fire. Witnesses reported McCool shielded her son from the bullets and died while protecting him. She was a mother of 11 and a two-time cancer survivor.

The attack killed 49 people and injured many others. The shooter, Omar Mateen, was killed by police during the incident. Investigations reported Mateen had expressed violent and extremist views, had earlier been investigated by the FBI but those inquiries were closed, and he acted alone during the attack. Families of victims, including McCool’s, later pursued lawsuits related to Mateen’s employer and the gun shop that sold the firearms.

McCool’s actions that night have been described as heroic and protective. If anyone knew Brenda, her family, or has information about her life and legacy, please share what can help remember her.