The husband of one of the two teachers who covered their bodies to shield young pupils during a school shooting in Texas died of a heart attack. According to family members, the man was severely affected because of what happened to his wife. Debra Austin, who identified her as a relative of the deceased teacher Irma Garcia, wrote on her GoFundMe page that Irma’s husband Joe “has tragically passed away this morning (5/26/2022) as a result of a medical emergency.”

“I truly believe Joe died of a broken heart and losing the love of his life,” he continued.

“Extremely heartbreaking and come with deep sorrow to say that my Tia (aunt) Irma’s husband Joe Garcia has passed away due to grief,” wrote John Martinez, identifying himself as the couple’s nephew.

According to the website of Robb Elementary School, where Irma teaches and where the heinous act occurred, the couple has been married for 24 years and has four children. Joe died of a heart attack, according to a tweet by the news anchor on local station KABB FOX San Antonio. Their classrooms were invaded adjacent to each other by the 18-year-old perpetrator, Salvador Ramos, who was murdered by responding authorities. Irma was joined by co-teacher Eva Mireles, who was slain in the school shooting. According to the authorities, Irma and Eva safeguarded their students.