Fitness Influencer and Her Date Gunned Down by Estranged Husband

24 June 2025

Gloria Zamora and her date were shot dead by her estranged husband outside a sushi restaurant in Fontana, California (Instagram/@gloriazamoraaa_)

On the evening of June 21 in Fontana, California, fitness influencer Gloria Zamora and her companion Hector Garduno were senselessly shot dead in the parking lot of a bustling sushi restaurant. Zamora, aged 40 and mother to seven, had openly shared news of her intent to divorce her estranged husband, Thomas Alberto Tamayo Lizarraga, on her “HERizon” podcast just a week earlier. Garduno, 43 and father to four, was with her at the time of the attack turning what should have been a simple date night into a scene of unimaginable tragedy.

Fontana police, represented by Officer Steve Reed, described the incident as a deliberate act of violence by Zamora’s husband, who tracked her to the restaurant and opened fire. Survivors recount that Zamora and Garduno had been there for roughly an hour before the attack unfolded. Fortunately, several off-duty law enforcement personnel were nearby when the shooting occurred. Among them was a San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy who responded immediately, confronting and fatally shooting Lizarraga.

Zamora had outlined the troubled state of her marriage on her podcast, depicting a personal battle that shifted from private struggle to public tragedy. As a well-known coach and social media figure with over 150,000 followers, she inspired countless women through honest conversations about fitness, wellness, and resilience. Garduno similarly earned admiration as a dedicated father and hardworking provider cherished by his children.

The loss has sent shockwaves through their combined families, with 11 children caught in the aftermath Zamora’s ranging from ages 8 to 24, Garduno’s from infant to early teens. Zamora’s daughter Jazlynne captured their grief on GoFundMe, describing her mother as a beacon of strength who always urged women to believe in themselves. The fundraiser, launched to support all affected minors, had already raised significant donations within hours. Garduno’s children also share the burden of loss and uncertainty.

Local authorities continue to investigate the incident, but the immediate presence of law enforcement ensured the suspected shooter cannot claim freedom. The deputy’s intervention prevented further loss of life and brought swift resolution to an unfolding nightmare.

This harrowing event underscores the stark risks faced by individuals attempting to end abusive or volatile domestic relationships. The National Domestic Violence Hotline warns that leaving a partner often triggers the most perilous moments in such dynamics. The shooting at a public location reinforces the deceptive security spaces provide to those fleeing danger.

As mourning communities come together, two GoFundMe pages stand as testament to grief and solidarity. They solicit support for the displaced, emotionally fragile children as they attempt to find normalcy amid chaos. For fans, followers, and friends, the incident is a tragic reminder of how quickly personal trauma can become public horror.

Zamora built her digital career on empowerment helping “busy women get and stay fit.” Her loss, and Garduno’s, leaves not only family devastated but also a community seeking answers about safety, mental health, and violence prevention. The Fontana Police Department continues to work toward a full understanding of the case’s motivations, circumstances, and warning signs that preceded the killings.

In the silent aftermath, the voices of loved ones continue to echo. Jazlynne Zamora’s heartfelt words resonate: “She was a light in her community.” The deputy’s intervention, while life-saving, cannot erase the profound absence left behind. This tragedy forces a reckoning with and deep concern for the vulnerabilities that domestic strife can expose.

The deaths of Gloria Zamora and Hector Garduno are not just criminal acts, but societal alarms. Their innocence and passion cut short, victims of a system struggling to protect those most at risk. As investigations proceed, the hope is that the lives lost will lead to greater awareness, stronger protections, and increased compassion for those navigating the treacherous transition out of toxic relationships.