Kathy Gaarde, 62, was among twelve people killed in the mass shooting at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., on Monday morning, September 16, 2013. A financial analyst with the Naval Sea Systems Command, Kathy was known to friends and family as Kathy; her death was part of a larger, coordinated attack that unfolded inside Building 197.

The shooter was identified as 34-year-old Aaron Alexis, a civilian contractor and former Navy reservist. Alexis reportedly had a history of mental health problems, including paranoia and delusions, and had legally purchased the shotgun used in the attack days earlier. He used a valid security clearance to access the building, moved through it for over an hour, and was fatally shot by police after a multi-agency response. Investigators concluded he acted alone and tied his actions to a deteriorating mental state; no arrests followed because the suspect died at the scene.

If anyone knew Kathy, worked with her at Naval Sea Systems Command, or has information about her time at the Navy Yard, please share what you know.