Irma Linda Garcia, a 48-year-old Hispanic fourth-grade teacher at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, was killed on May 24, 2022, while protecting her students during a mass shooting. Reports say she placed herself in front of her students to shield them from the gunman, actions credited with saving many children’s lives. The shooter was identified as 18-year-old Salvador Ramos; the attack killed 19 children and two teachers, including Garcia.

Family accounts say Irma’s husband, Joe Garcia, who had been her high school sweetheart, died two days later; family members described his death as due to a broken heart. The incident prompted a broad investigation that noted the shooter had posted disturbing material on social media beforehand, and families have filed lawsuits against the school district and law enforcement alleging negligence.