A 23-year-old woman from Stockton, California, who dreamed of one day managing an In-N-Out Burger restaurant, was among three people killed when a gunman opened fire at the chain’s newly opened location in Twin Falls, Idaho. Ashley Garibay was working at the restaurant on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, when the attack unfolded shortly after 2 p.m.

Garibay’s family released a heartbreaking statement describing her as a kind, adventurous and driven young woman whose bright smile and infectious laugh touched everyone she met. “In-N-Out Burger was Ashley’s first job, and she fell in love with it,” they said. “She proudly traveled to open new stores, and her dream was to one day manage an In-N-Out store. She was passionate about serving customers and left this world doing what she loved to do.”

Originally from Stockton, Garibay worked as a manager at a local In-N-Out and had joined a traveling training team. She had gone to Twin Falls to help train new employees at the restaurant, which had opened only eight days earlier on July 24 as part of the California-based chain’s expansion into Idaho. Her uncle confirmed she was there specifically to assist with the opening and staff training.

Family members portrayed her as someone who always put others first, helping people through difficult times despite her own challenges. “She was adventurous, outgoing, smart and driven, never letting obstacles get in her way,” they 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.” They also expressed gratitude to In-N-Out associates, first responders and bystanders who rushed to her aid and comforted her in her final moments.

The gunman, identified as 24-year-old Chad Williams, emerged from the drive-thru area carrying what witnesses described as an AR-style rifle and opened fire inside the restaurant before the chaos spilled into the parking lot and surrounding commercial area. Three people were killed and seven others were wounded. Two of the injured were treated and released, three were listed in stable condition, and two remained in critical condition in the days after the attack.

Authorities said Williams acted alone. Two armed bystanders — including an off-duty state trooper and a civilian — returned fire, actions that police credited with driving the suspect away from the scene and preventing further casualties. Williams was later found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators have not publicly identified a motive.

In addition to Garibay, the other two victims killed were later identified as 59-year-old Christopher “Toph” Claunch of Hagerman, Idaho, and 66-year-old Dale Schultz of Salt Lake City, Utah. In-N-Out President Lynsi Snyder issued a statement mourning the loss of “one of our beautiful associates,” noting that the employee had been taking care of customers when her life was taken.

A GoFundMe organized by Garibay’s mother, Sabrina, described her daughter as “an amazing soul, with the most beautiful heart and radiant smile” and a “beloved daughter, sister, auntie and best friend to everyone she met.” The fundraiser, which quickly raised tens of thousands of dollars, aims to help the family lay Ashley to rest.

The Twin Falls In-N-Out had been busy with customers when the shooting began. Witnesses described a fast-moving and chaotic scene as people fled for cover inside the restaurant and behind cars in the parking lot. Employees rushed to help the wounded, with one worker pulling an injured colleague across the parking lot before first responders arrived.

Garibay’s family said they remain heartbroken and devastated by the loss of a young woman whose life was taken far too soon. In their words, she left this world doing exactly what she loved — serving others at the job that had become her passion and the foundation of her dreams.

Main Sources: New York Post.