Rodolfo “Rudy” Garza Jr., a 21-year-old senior at the University of Texas at Austin, is fighting for his life after being critically injured in Sunday’s mass shooting in the city. According to friends and family members, Garza suffered a gunshot wound to the head during the incident and remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit.

Garza is currently studying mechanical engineering at UT Austin and was expected to graduate in May. Those close to him say he has worked for years to reach this milestone. For his family, his education represents more than just a degree — it symbolizes perseverance, opportunity, and generational progress.

Friends say Garza would be the first person in his Hispanic family to complete this path in higher education. His achievements have been a source of pride for those around him, reflecting the sacrifices made by his family and the dedication he has shown throughout his academic journey.

Instead of focusing on final exams and graduation plans, Garza now faces a long and uncertain recovery. Medical teams are monitoring his condition closely and may need to perform additional surgeries as part of the effort to stabilize him and address the injuries he sustained.

Garza’s mother, who works as a nurse, has spent much of her career caring for patients during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Now she remains by her son’s side in the hospital as doctors continue their efforts to treat his injuries and guide him through the early stages of recovery.

The response from Garza’s community has been significant. More than 100 of his friends from both high school and college have reportedly visited or gathered at the hospital to show support for him and his family. Many have brought food, written notes, and shared messages of encouragement during the difficult time.

Family members and friends say they are hoping for strength and healing as Garza continues to fight for his life. They have asked the community to keep him in their thoughts and prayers as doctors work to reduce swelling and stabilize his condition in the days ahead.