Fitness Influencer Gloria Zamora Shot Dead on Date by Estranged Husband

Fitness influencer Gloria Zamora, a voice in women’s empowerment and self-growth, was tragically shot and killed by her estranged husband while on a date outside a sushi restaurant in Fontana, California.

The 40-year-old mother of seven was meeting with Hector Garduno, 43, to discuss a new business project on June 22 when the fatal attack occurred. Police confirmed that Zamora and Garduno were both gunned down in the parking lot by Thomas Alberto Tamayo Lizarraga, who was later shot and killed by an off-duty sheriff’s deputy.

“There was a male and female that were estranged. They were going through a divorce, that led to this,” said Officer Steve Reed of the Fontana Police Department.

According to police and family statements, the off-duty San Bernardino County deputy was driving by the area when he heard gunfire and intervened.

“Apparently he was driving on the street outside the shopping center and heard the gunshots and saw what had happened, made a U-turn at the light, and got out of his vehicle, and confronted the suspect,” said Reed.

Authorities said that Zamora and Garduno were taken to a local hospital but succumbed to their injuries shortly after. The shooter, Lizarraga, was declared dead at the scene.

Just days before her death, Zamora had shared on her podcast HERizon that she was leaving Lizarraga. She had been married to him previously and was reportedly navigating a separation. The couple had been estranged for some time, though it remains unclear how Lizarraga knew her whereabouts that evening.

“We don’t know how he knew where she was at, but apparently, she had been at the restaurant for approximately an hour prior to the shooting,” Reed told ABC 7.

“She Was Senselessly Taken From Us” — GoFundMe Launched by Daughter

In the wake of the tragedy, Zamora’s daughter Jazlynne Zamora launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs and support her six siblings, ranging in age from 8 to 24.

“My mom was senselessly taken from us, she was murdered by my step dad Tomas,” she wrote on the fundraiser page.

“She leaves behind 7 beautiful children, ages 8 to 24, who are now facing a future without our mother’s warmth, guidance, and unconditional love.”

“She always said, ‘Women can do anything they set their minds to,’ and she lived those words every day. Her courage, kindness, and determination touched the lives of everyone who knew her.”

The campaign has raised more than $33,260 of its $35,000 goal as of Wednesday afternoon.

Garduno’s family also set up a GoFundMe to support his four daughters after his untimely death.

“He was a loving, devoted, and hardworking man that was tragically murdered and gone too soon,” they wrote.

“Any funds raised will go toward giving our dad the respectful and loving farewell he deserves, and to help ease the immediate financial burden on our family.”

Another Tragic Femicide in the Fitness Community

Zamora’s tragic death comes just one week after the brutal murder of Zunilda Hoyos Mendez, the Colombian bodybuilder known as “She Hulk,” who was found bludgeoned to death in Spain. Her partner, Jarrod Gelling, was discovered dead beside her with apparent self-inflicted stab wounds.

Mendez, like Zamora, had informed family she planned to separate from her partner — a decision that, according to her relatives, likely led to the fatal escalation.

“She was being abused and wanted a divorce,” her family told Sur.

As the investigation continues, law enforcement has chosen not to release the name of the deputy who shot Lizarraga. Updates will be shared as more details emerge.

FitnessVolt sends its deepest condolences to the friends, family, and children of Gloria Zamora and Hector Garduno. This tragic event is another reminder of the very real dangers of domestic violence.

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