UMC Honors Victims of Aug. 3, 2019 On Five-Year Anniversary of Shooting

UMC Honors Victims of Aug. 3, 2019 On Five-Year Anniversary of Shooting August 2, 2024
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EL PASO, Texas – Five years ago, 23 people were killed and 22 others were injured after a mass shooting in El Paso on Aug. 3, 2019. University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC) joins the El Paso community in honoring the 23 lives who were lost as a result of the shooting at the Cielo Vista Walmart.

The memory of that day weighs heavy on our hearts as many of the victims from the shooting were sent to UMC’s Scherr Legate Trauma Center for treatment. Our healthcare professionals jumped into action, many coming in willingly on their day off to help in any way they could.

It was through the community’s strength, perseverance and generosity of heart that our organization held fast that day and the days following the tragedy. We are forever grateful to the first responders and healthcare professionals who worked tirelessly to care for our own during that time.

“Aug. 3, 2019, left a mark on all of us here at UMC,” said Jacob Cintron, President & CEO, El Paso County Hospital District (EPCHD). “As trauma patients came in, one after another, our team rushed in to help in any way they could. Our lives were forever changed that day. We will always remember.”

Every year since, EPCHD has commemorated the victims of the Aug. 3 tragedy.

In 2020, their memory was commemorated with a dedication video.

In 2021, Associates gathered outside the hospital to release a balloon for every person who had died from the shooting.

The following year in 2022, a memorial pavilion was unveiled outside the hospital to create a space for Associates and patients to reflect at the hospital.

In 2023, a moment of silence was held throughout the hospital as the 23 victims from the shooting were remembered.

As we have for the past few years, UMC will once again honor the lives of those lost, as well as the resilience of their families and our community as a whole. We are proud to be El Paso Strong.

This year, UMC will have a moment of silence on Aug. 3 and present a new memorial video. 

Additionally, UMC staff will be provided special orange remembrance wristbands in honor of the victims and continuing to build solidarity around being El Paso Strong. Of note: The color orange is the defining color of gun violence prevention.