Eva Mireles, 44, was killed on May 24, 2022, during the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. A fourth-grade teacher, she is reported to have shielded her students from the gunman, Salvador Ramos, and died protecting them. She was born March 17, 1978, in Dallas and graduated from Eagle Pass High School in 1996. Friends and family remember her for a vibrant personality and interests including CrossFit, hiking, and time with her dog, Kane.

Eva spoke by phone with her husband, Ruben Ruiz, a school district police officer who was stationed outside the building; he was detained and prevented from entering the classroom while the attack continued. The shooting killed 19 students and two teachers, and the law enforcement response drew sharp criticism. Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw described the police response as an abject failure; Uvalde CISD Police Chief Pete Arredondo faced significant scrutiny.

Eva’s family — including her husband Ruben Ruiz Jr., daughter Adalynn C. Ruiz, mother Paula Mireles, and sister Maggie Mireles Thomas — have been active in advocacy for tighter firearms regulations. Does anyone have memories of Eva or information that could help document her life and legacy?