Mail Online

Now husband of shot teacher dies

THE Texas school massacre claimed an unofficial 22nd victim yesterday when the husband of a killed teacher died from a heart attack.

Joe Garcia, whose wife Irma, 46, was gunned down trying to protect her pupils, died yesterday morning. Relatives believe his death was caused by the devastating loss of his wife in the attack at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.

His cousin Debra Garcia Austin said: ‘I truly believe Joe died of a broken heart and losing the love of his life of more than 30 years was too much to bear.’

Mrs Garcia’s nephew John Martinez tweeted: ‘Extremely heartbreaking and come with deep sorrow to say that...Joe Garcia has passed away due to grief. Truly am at a loss for words for how we are all feeling.’

Mr and Mrs Garcia had four children, aged 13 to 23.

She was hailed as a heroine after she died trying to protect her pupils from the gunman. She had taught at the school for 23 years. Mr Martinez said the Garcias had been ‘high school sweethearts’, marrying 24 years ago.

He added his aunt had died ‘with children in her arms trying to protect them...those weren’t just her students – they were her kids as well.’

Mrs Garcia had been a finalist for a prize for excellence in teaching in 2019.

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