The husband of a Texas elementary school teacher killed in Tuesday's devastating shooting suffered a fatal heart attack just days after his wife was shot dead.
Joe Garcia, the husband of Irma Garcia, died of a heart attack on Thursday (May 26) - two days after his wife was killed after an 18-year-old gunman opened fire on a class in Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. Nineteen children and two teachers lost their lives in the deadly attack.
Per ABC News, the couple had known each other since eighth grade and were set to celebrate their 25th anniversary this year, their family said.
Joe had just placed flowers on Thursday morning at the memorial site of his wife of 24 years and the mother of his four children.
"What happened was my Uncle Joe went to go leave flowers for my Tia [Aunt] Irma, his wife, and whenever he got back, he sat down at the kitchen table with his entire family, and after 3 minutes, he just fell over. I'm told my mom was giving him chest compressions. It happened around 10 o'clock. I know my little brother was there," the couple's nephew, John Martinez, told USA TODAY.
"They called the ambulance and I was told they couldn't bring him back. They took him to Uvalde Memorial Hospital. I'm not sure if they confirmed his death at the house or the hospital," he continued.
"The pain doesn't stop," Martinez tweeted just before confirming the loss of his uncle on the social media platform.
"EXTREMELY heartbreaking and come with deep sorrow to say that my Tia Irma’s husband Joe Garcia has passed away due to grief, I truly am at a loss for words for how we are all feeling, PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR FAMILY, God have mercy on us, this isn’t easy," Martinez tweeted later to confirm the death of his uncle.
"Honestly, it genuinely feels like I got hit by another truck. It just doesn't make sense," he said. "My heart hurts so bad for my four cousins. I did hear from my little brother that my dad's chest was hurting, as well. My parents lost family and their best friends."
He added, "My Tio [Uncle] Joe would work extra hours just to provide for his family. They really are a true American family. They instilled great values and morals in their kids."
The couple leaves behind four children aged 23, 19, 15, and 13 and will be honored in two funerals, Martinez said.
A verified GoFundMe page has raised $1,803,340 for the family of Irma and Joe Garcia, at the time of writing.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Irma and Joe Garcia at this time.
