A tragic incident occurred during the Beyond Wonderland Music Festival on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the campgrounds near Washington’s Gorge Amphitheatre, resulting in loss of life and injuries. Josilyn Ruiz, a 26-year-old registered nurse, and her fiance Brandy Escamilla, 29, were identified as the victims of the mass shooting.
The shooting took place when a 26-year-old individual named James M. Kelly, later identified as a resident of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, opened fire in the campgrounds, located some distance away from the festival venue. Authorities confirmed that two people lost their lives in the shooting, namely Josilyn Ruiz and Brandy Escamilla, while three others, including the gunman, sustained injuries.
JUST CONFIRMED: The two who died in the mass shooting at the Gorge Saturday were 29-year-old Brandy Escamilla and 26-year-old Josilyn Ruiz.
This was the home they shared in Ballard in Seattle. They were engaged, and a neighbor says they were very happy together.@KING5Seattle pic.twitter.com/lwWMwaFfjr
— Maddie White (@maddiewhitetv) June 21, 2023
Following the incident, Kelly fled the scene but was apprehended by responding officers. He was taken to the hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound and was subsequently returned to Grant County. Currently, he is held under investigation for two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, and one count of first-degree assault domestic violence.
In the aftermath of this tragic event, Josilyn Ruiz’s sister-in-law initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for her funeral expenses in Seattle. The campaign exceeded its target of $50,000, raising over $58,000. The page dedicated to Josilyn described her as a radiant presence, bringing joy to everyone around her, and confirmed that her fiance, Brandy Escamilla, was also a victim of the shooting.
According to the GoFundMe page, Josilyn Ruiz was born on July 13, 1996, and her middle name, Summer, reflected the season she came into the lives of her loved ones, brightening them with warmth and happiness. She was described as someone who brought laughter to their lives and filled every room with her infectious smile.
A GoFundMe has been launched for one of victims of the Beyond Wonderland Gorge campgrounds shooting. Josilyn Summer Ruiz was a registered nurse who lost her life, as well as her fiancé Brandy. Please, donate if you can. https://t.co/WERJgOVAi1
— EDM Maniac (@EDMManiac) June 20, 2023
Josilyn had a deep passion for dancing, singing, attending music festivals, outdoor adventures, acting, snowboarding, and traveling. Known for her kind soul, she was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Her presence will be deeply missed by many who cherished and loved her.
As for Brandy Escamilla, a friend named Devon Breithart shared on Facebook that both Josilyn Ruiz and Brandy were traveling nurses from California who were working on a contract in Seattle. The couple, who had relocated to Seattle in 2021, got engaged in the winter of that year after being together for ten years. They adored their cat named Otis and were deeply cherished by those who knew them.
While family and friends mourn the loss of Josilyn Ruiz and Brandy Escamilla, a separate GoFundMe campaign has been created for Brandy, raising over $9,000 so far.
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