Details about the young fourth graders and their two teachers, who were killed in gunfire at Robb Elementary School in Uvdale, Texas, have emerged. As parents, relatives and friends talk to outlets and on social media about their loved ones who were killed, by an 18-year old called Salvador Ramos, with a rifle, a poignant picture of hopes, plans and shattered dreams is coming to the forefront. There is a lot of sadness and grief as family and friends speak of the young lives that have been lost and have left them too soon at the tender ages between 9 and 11 years of the students and the around 40 years of the two teachers who lost their lives, trying to protect their students.
Here’s a brief account of their brave lives
Nevaeh Alyssa Bravo, 10
Her cousin Austin Ayala told the Washington Post that the family was shattered by the loss of Nevaeh and that she put a smile on the face of whomsoever she met.
Jacklyn Jaylen Cazares
Father Jacinto Cazares describe his daughter as “a little firecracker” in a video distributed by Reuters. She had recently celebrated her first Communion with her family.
Makeena Lee Elrod
Allison McCullough, Makeena’s aunt told ABC, “Her smile would light up a room.” She also said that her little niece was a natural leader and loved sports and games like softball and gymnastics.
Jose Flores Jr., 10
His father Jose Flores told CNN that his son was full of energy and wanted to be a police officer. His mother said that he would help around the house, especially when it was to look after his baby brother.
Eliana ‘Ellie’ Garcia, 9
Ellie’s grandparents Rogelio Lugo and Nelda Lugo told the LA Times that Ellie wanted to become a teacher when she grew up. She loved cheerleading and basketball.
Irma Garcia
Irma Garcia’s profile on the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District website said that she was an educator for 23 years. Nephew John Martinez told the Post that officials told the family that Irma had helped shield students.
Uziyah Garcia, 10
Garcia’s grandfather Manny Renfro told KSAT that he was “the sweetest little boy that he had known and that he was not saying it as Uziyah was his “grandkid.” He loved football and “he could catch a ball so quick.”
Amerie Jo Garza, 10
Angel Garza told CNN that he wanted “people to know she died trying to save her classmates.” The brave little hero tried to call 911 with the phone she got as a birthday present.
Jayce Carmelo Luevanos, 10
Luevanos’ grandfather told USA Today that the little boy was a happy child and he and his mother had lived with him. There is a GoFundMe site for his funeral expenses and family needs.
Xavier Javier Lopez, 10
Felicia Martinez said that her young son made it to Robb Elementary School’s honor roll ceremony according to Washington Post. She said that he was funny and never serious and had a smile that she would never forget.
Tess Marie Mata, 10
Faith Mata, Tess’ sister told Washington Post that her sister loved TikTok dances, Ariana Grande and the Houston Astros. She described her sister as a “precious angel.”
Maranda Mathis, 11
Leslie Ruiz, who told the Post that she was Mathis’ mother’s friend that the little girl was “bright.” She was also “ fun and spunky.”
Eva Mireles
Eva Mireles was a fourth grade teacher at Robb Elementary and an educator for 17 years. Her daughter Adalyann tweeted that her mom was “a hero” and thanked her for being an “inspiration” to her.
Alithia Ramirez, 10
Father Ryan Ramirez told KSAT that his daughter loved to draw and wanted to be an artist. Her grandmother told ABC News that she was not only very talented but was also “really sweet.”
Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez, 10
Annabell’s family members told KHOU-TV that the little girl was in the same classroom as her cousin Jacklyn Jaylen Cazares. Both the cousins were shot by the Texan teen.
Maite Rodriguez, 11
Mother Ana Rodriguez said on Facebook that her daughter loved animals, sewing and photography and wanted to become a marine biologist. Her mother describer her as “sweet, charismatic, loving, caring, loyal…” and more.
Alexandria ‘Lexi’ Rubio, 10
Felix and Kimberly Rubio told CNN that their daughter had made the All-A honor roll. She loved softball and basketball and wanted to be a lawyer.
Layla Salazar, 11
Layla’s family told CNN that the young girl loved to run, swim and dance. She was an active child who also loved to film TikTok videos.
Jailah Nicole Silguero, 11
Her mother Vernoica said that her daughter loved dancing and making TikTok videos. A GoFundMe page by Nancy Salazar, a family friend described her as “delightful, energetic” and a “lovely little girl.”
Eliahana ‘Elijah’ Cruz Torres, 10
Her aunt Leandra Vera told CNN, “Our baby gained her wings.”
Rojelio Torres, 10
Aunt Precious Perez told KSAT that Rojer was a “very intelligent, hardworking and helpful person.” Torres’ mother posted a photo of him on Facebook. She captioned it, “RIP to my son Rojelio Torres we love you and miss you.”
Teen Texas shooter kills 19 children and two adults including young girl as she tries to call 911