The In-N-Out worker killed in a mass shooting in Idaho has been identified by loved ones as a California woman with an "amazing soul" who loved helping others and dreamed of one day managing her own store.
Sabrina Garibay shared on a GoFundMe page that her daughter, 23-year-old Ashley Garibay, was among the three people killed in the Aug. 1 shooting at a newly opened In-N-Out in the picturesque southern Idaho city of Twin Falls.
"Myself and the world we are in a state of shock," Sabrina Garibay wrote on the fundraising page on Aug. 3. "My beautiful angel Ashley gained her wings while working at IN N OUT in Twin Falls, as she was doing what she loved her life was taken! A call no mother ever wants to get!"
She said her daughter was a beloved daughter,
sister, aunt "and a best friend to everyone," adding that she had "an amazing soul," "the most beautiful heart" and left a lasting impression on so many people.
Ashley Garibay lived in Stockton, California, and worked at an In-N-Out location there but would travel to other new outposts of the burger spot to train workers, the young woman's family said in a statement to KCRA-TV.
"She was adventurous, outgoing, smart and driven, never letting obstacles get in her way," her family said. "She lit up a room with her bright smile and a laugh that was contagious. She was a friend to all, and no matter what difficulties she was facing, she always found a way to help others find the light in the darkness."
The family said that In-N-Out was Ashley Garibay's first job, that she fell in love with it and that she dreamed of one day managing her own location.
"She was passionate about serving Customers and left this world doing what she loved to do," they said. "We are heartbroken and devastated."
In-N-Out CEO and owner Lynsi Snyder shared an emotional statement about Garibay and the other shooting victims over the weekend, saying that the company "will be mourning with the families and praying for them as they tread through a very painful season."
"My heart is broken, my chest is heavy, my eyes burn from the tears I've shed," Snyder posted on Facebook, adding that the shooter "took the precious lives of our Associate and Customers, innocent people who never saw it coming."
Police say that 24-year-old Chad Williams opened fire seemingly at random outside the In-N-Out during a busy Saturday afternoon on Aug. 1. He killed three people and wounded seven others, two of whom are in critical condition, before an off-duty state trooper and an armed citizen intervened and opened fire on him.
Though Williams died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound, police credited the citizen and off-duty trooper with saving lives by distracting the gunmen and allowing others to escape.
Amanda Lee Myers is a senior crime reporter who covers cold case investigations, the death penalty and breaking news for USA TODAY. Follow her on X at @amandaleeusat.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: In-N-Out worker killed in Idaho mass shooting was 'an amazing soul': Mom
