August 3 Walmart Shooting Claims Another Victim

El Paso and the country were shocked on the morning of August 3, 2019 when a Dallas-area resident walked into the Walmart by Cielo Vista Mall and opened fire on innocent shoppers and employees. The shooter ended up murdering 22 people in that store and caused an outpouring of grief in El Paso that lasted for months. El Pasoans finally felt like we had gotten our feet back under us after that horrible day when the coronavirus outbreak hit and knocked us back down. Now, there is more tragic news from August 3, 2019.

Guillermo "Memo" Garcia, the last remaining patient being treated for wounds suffered from the August 3 Walmart shooting, lost his battle.

Officials with Del Sol Medical Center released a statement that read:

“After a nearly nine-month fight, our hearts are heavy as we report Guillermo "Memo" Garcia, our last remaining patient being treated from the El Paso shooting, has passed away."

Mr. Garcia never left Del Sol after being taken there in the aftermath of the shooting. His wife, Jessica Coca Garcia, was also wounded in the Walmart attack but survived her injuries. The couple were in front of the Cielo Vista Walmart fundraising for their daughter's soccer team when they were injured. Mrs. Garcia released a statement about the death of her husband:

"Last night at 11:22 we lost a warrior but gained an angel. He fought long and hard, with the help of all his troops he won many battles but lost the war. I would like to thank the community for all the love, support, and prayers. On behalf of the Garcia family we would like to give the community the opportunity to pay their respects but due to the current circumstances we feel that right now is not the right time. We would like to ask the community to continue to lift Memo in prayer and allow us to grief this tremendous loss, we are asking for privacy during this time. When the pandemic and social distancing orders pass we will have a proper memorial and mass where the community can pay their respects to an El Paso warrior!"

Our hearts go out to the Garcia family at this time. There are no words to describe their loss. With deepest condolences, we say may Memo Garcia rest in peace.