What was meant to be a quiet dinner outing turned into a heartbreaking tragedy for two families in Fontana, California, over the weekend.
Gloria Zamora, a 40-year-old fitness coach and social media influencer known for inspiring women through health, strength, and empowerment, was shot and killed outside a sushi restaurant—allegedly by the man she once called her husband.
She was not alone. Beside her was 43-year-old Hector Garduno, a father of four girls, who was also killed in the attack. The two had reportedly spent about an hour at the restaurant on Summit Avenue before the gunfire erupted in the parking lot.
According to police, Gloria’s estranged husband, 36-year-old Thomas Alberto Tamayo Lizarraga, had tracked her to the location. How he found her remains unclear. But what is certain is that he showed up with a gun—and opened fire.
Gunshots rang out into the warm California night. But before Lizarraga could flee or do more harm, fate took a sharp turn. An off-duty San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy, who happened to be nearby, heard the shots and ran toward danger. He confronted Lizarraga and fatally shot him.
Gloria and Hector didn’t survive.
Zamora had recently spoken publicly about her divorce, opening up on a podcast about the emotional toll and her hopes for a new chapter. She was the mother of seven children, and her journey had become a beacon of resilience for many of her online followers.
Garduno, friends say, was a family-first kind of man—hardworking, humble, and devoted to his daughters. The two had connected over dinner. Now, their lives have ended far too soon.
Their grieving families have launched GoFundMe campaigns to raise money for funeral costs and to support the children they leave behind.
As the investigation continues, the identity of the off-duty deputy has not yet been made public. But for two families, a community, and the many people who followed Gloria’s inspiring story online, the pain of this sudden loss is raw and deep.
Lives were taken. Families changed forever. And a night meant for connection ended in unthinkable sorrow.
