Husband of Texas teacher killed protecting her students dies 2 days later

The husband of Irma Garcia, one of the two teachers killed in Tuesday’s Texas elementary school shooting, has reportedly died.

Husband of Texas Teacher Irma Garcia dies

John Martinez, Garcia’s nephew, confirmed on Twitter that Joe Garcia, Irma’s husband of 24 years, died Thursday.

Martinez said his uncle died from a heart attack but notes what really killed him was “a broken heart”.

“I truly am at a loss for words for how we are feeling,” tweeted John Martinez, Irma Garcia’s nephew. “PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR FAMILY. God have mercy on us, this isn’t easy.”

Martinez told The New York Times Joe Garcia visited his wife’s memorial Thursday morning to drop off flowers. When he returned home, he “pretty much just fell over,” he said.

Irma, 46, had been a teacher at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde for 23 years.

In 2019, Garcia was named finalist for the Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching, awarded to exceptional teachers in the San Antonio area by Trinity University.

Robb Elementary shooting

On Tuesday morning, when an 18-year-old gunman wearing body armor entered her classroom with a gun, Irma gave her life trying to save the children she loved like her own.

“She died a hero trying to protect her students,” says Martinez, adding one of the 19 children killed in Tuesday’s shooting was found dead in her arms. “She was a mom to them as well.”

The couple were high school sweethearts. They left behind 4 children.