A “vibrant” EMT was killed when a gunman opened fire at a Washington state clinic before turning the gun on himself in a murder-suicide, authorities said.
Liliya Zagariya, 20, was working as a concierge Tuesday afternoon when she was gunned down by 58-year-old Douglas Moore in the lobby of a clinic at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, news station KPTV reported.
Police said the alleged shooter — who authorities don’t believe had a prior relationship with Zagariya — then turned the gun on himself.
Both were rushed next door to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead, authorities said.
Zagariya’s employer, PeaceHealth, confirmed her death in a statement.
“Our thoughts, support and prayers go out to her family. All of us grieve with them,” PeaceHealth said, The Columbian reported.
“We are partnering with the Vancouver Police Department in this active investigation.”
In addition to working for the medical clinic, Zagariya had been volunteering as an EMT for Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue in Kelso.
“She was a vibrant young lady; she was well-liked by the firefighters,” Lt. Bryan Ditterick told the outlet.
“She was always eager to help and would ask questions when we were on medical calls.”
Fire Chief David Lafave said Zagariya had been planning to attend their fire academy in two weeks in order to become a paramedic, news station KATU reported.
“She would definitely fit in in the fire service when she did ride along with us, and in the future, I think she had a bright future ahead as a paramedic or if she wanted to stay an EMT,” LaFave told the news station.