1. The Victims: Gloria Zamora and Hector Garduno
Gloria Zamora was a prominent fitness influencer and personal trainer based in Southern California. At 40 years old, she had amassed over 150,000 followers on Instagram, offering workout tips and motivational content—especially for mothers seeking healthier lives. She was also a devoted mother of seven children, ages 8 to 24 Yahoo+10E! Online+10The Independent+10.
On the evening of Saturday, June 21, 2025, Gloria met up with her business partner, 43-year-old Hector Garduno, who was a father of four, at the Falcon Ridge Town Center in Fontana, California Los Angeles Times+5E! Online+5The Independent+5. Their meeting, reportedly to discuss a new project, ended in tragedy.
2. The Shooting: A Terrifying Sequence
Around 9:30 p.m., Gloria and Hector were shot in the parking lot outside a sushi restaurant (Summa Sushi) in Fontana’s Falcon Ridge Town Center E! OnlineABC7 Chicago+4Los Angeles Times+4The Independent+4. Fontana Police Officer Steve Reed said the perpetrator was Gloria’s estranged husband, 45-year-old Thomas Alberto Tamayo Lizarraga NBC4 Los Angeles+9Los Angeles Times+9ABC7 Chicago+9.
Investigators believe Lizarraga tracked Gloria and her date to the venue before opening fire. Initially, he shot Hector and then turned the weapon on Gloria ABC News+2Los Angeles Times+2ABC7 Chicago+2.
3. Police Intervention: The Off‑Duty Deputy’s Response
Gunfire drew the attention of an off‑duty San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy who was nearby. The deputy reportedly heard the shots from the street and made a U‑turn, rushing to confront Lizarraga. A shootout ensued, during which the deputy fatally shot the suspect ABC7 Chicago+3Los Angeles Times+3Hindustan Times+3.
This quick action prevented further violence and led to the deaths of the estranged husband and the two victims, without additional bystanders harmed.
4. Casualties: Gloria and Hector Succumb to Injuries
Both Gloria and Hector were rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to their injuries The Independent+9ABC News+9Times of India+9The Independent+2E! Online+2Hindustan Times+2. Their deaths left behind seven children in Gloria’s case and four in Hector’s, bringing their combined count to eleven grieving young people .
Gloria’s daughter, Jazlynee Zamora, described the shooting as “an unimaginable act of violence” against the only mother they had Times of India+6The Independent+6Hindustan Times+6. Hector’s daughter voiced her heartbreak at losing a “loving, devoted, hardworking man” who provided for their family Los Angeles Times.
5. Gloria’s Voice: A Mother and Mentor Silenced Too Soon
Just days before her death, Gloria appeared on the HERizon podcast, hinting at troubles in her marriage. She told her 152,000‑strong following:
“Who needs enemies with husbands like these?… Instead of being supportive, you’re over here trying to bring me down.” E! Online+2Hindustan Times+2The Independent+2
Her words now serve as haunting insight into her personal challenges at the time.
6. Community Outrage and Mourning
News of the shooting sent shockwaves through Southern California and the fitness community. Coverage across NBC Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Times, ABC, The Independent, and other outlets highlighted the desperation of the moment and the threat of domestic violence .
Condolence messages flooded in online. Followers, colleagues, and fellow trainers remembered Gloria as “a light in her community,” someone who uplifted and inspired countless women welt.de+8E! Online+8Los Angeles Times+8.
7. Domestic Violence Context and Police Observations
Fontana Police emphasized the case as a chilling instance of domestic violence escalating into deadly gun violence. Women separating from abusive spouses are considered at higher risk, according to domestic violence experts Hindustan Times+2ABC News+2Los Angeles Times+2.
Authorities continue to investigate how Lizarraga tracked Gloria and her date. There’s no confirmed motive yet, but the ongoing divorce suggests personal motives fueled the violence ABC News+4Los Angeles Times+4ABC7 Chicago+4.
8. The Aftermath: Families Left Behind
Gloria’s death has left deep voids. Her daughter Jazlynee set up a GoFundMe to support funeral costs and help raise her six younger siblings. She wrote:
“My mom was senselessly taken from us… She leaves behind seven beautiful children… facing a future without our mother’s warmth, guidance, and unconditional love.” The Independent+1Hindustan Times+1E! Online+1The Independent+1
Similarly, Hector’s daughter started a fundraiser, remembering her father as a loving provider whose passing left a “hole in our hearts” .
9. Remembering Gloria: A Beacon for Moms
Gloria’s followers recall her supportive messages. One Instagram post stated:
“I want my moms to know that no matter how long it takes, you will eventually reach your goal weight… trust me, you will get there!” E! Online
Her daughter’s tribute echoed this inspiring spirit:
“My mom was more than just a mother—she was a light in her community. She uplifted and inspired countless women… She always said, ‘Women can do anything they set their minds to,’ and she lived those words every day.” The Independent+2E! Online+2Los Angeles Times+2
10. Broader Implications: Domestic Violence Awareness
The tragedy has reignited debate on domestic violence and firearm access. The fact that an estranged spouse felt empowered to follow and kill his ex underscores deep systemic issues ABC News+2ABC7 Chicago+2Los Angeles Times+2.
Advocates call for enhanced protective measures—such as better restraining order enforcement and improved support for those undergoing separation .
11. Final Reflections
Gloria’s untimely death is a stark tragedy with reverberations beyond her online presence. She was a mother of seven, a beacon for working moms, and a fitness innovator. Hector was a father of four and dedicated partner in business and friendship. Both were taken at their most vulnerable moment—engaged in conversation about the future.
The incident serves as a painful reminder of domestic violence’s potential to erupt into deadly acts, even in public settings. It also demonstrates the positive impact of community and emergency response—here, the off‑duty deputy’s rapid action likely prevented further casualties.
12. Path Forward
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For Gloria’s family: GoFundMe support is ongoing to help the children adjust and preserve their mother’s legacy.
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For law enforcement: Investigations continue into motive, pre‑incident behaviors, and the timeline leading to the shooting.
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For the fitness and domestic violence advocacy community: There is renewed momentum to educate, support at-risk individuals, and bolster interventions for those escaping abusive relationships.
13. Conclusion
On June 21, 2025, a routine business meeting turned into a nightmare when fitness influencer and mother Gloria Zamora and her colleague Hector Garduno were fatally shot by her estranged husband. The tragedy underscores both the heights of influence, inspiration, and community Gloria embodied—and the horror of domestic violence and its aftermath.
Her children and Hector’s family now face an uncertain future, carrying forward legacies of resilience and dedication. While the fitness community mourns, many are channeling grief into action—raising awareness about domestic violence, demanding stronger protections, and honoring the lives that were cut short.
Let this serve as both a call to remember the light Gloria brought into the world, and a warning about the invisible wounds that can lead to violence. Their stories deserve not just recognition, but change—so no one else feels forced to endure a tragedy like this.
