Shooting at Allen Outlets: Classmates wear yellow in honor of Mendoza sisters

Wylie, Texas – Shock and sadness still grips the Texas community after the Allen Premium Outlets mass shooting, which claimed the lives of eight victims. Among the casualties were Daniela and Sofia Mendoza, two young sisters who are dearly missed by their classmates at Cox Elementary, where a touching tribute has been organized by staff and students.

On Wednesday, students and staff have been requested to wear yellow to school, a tribute to Daniela and Sofia’s favorite color. A small but meaningful gesture for the school community to come together and offer support to the family during this time.

The Mendoza family were together at the outlet mall on the day of the shooting, enjoying a day out shopping as they were preparing for an upcoming family trip to Cancun. Tragically, sisters Daniela, aged 11, and Sofia, aged eight, never made it back home, and their mother was also injured in the incident, receiving gunshot wounds to the leg and shoulder.

Residents from Wylie and surrounding areas are coming together to offer their condolences and support to the family during this challenging time. Sachse Mayor Jeff Bickerstaff and local school authorities are working to see how they can assist further with any needs of the family.

Mayor Bickerstaff expressed his sadness at the loss of two young lives, highlighting how the tragedy has affected the entire community. He said, “My initial reaction was that I felt like someone had punched me in the stomach. I was sick to my stomach. It is heartbreaking to hear that two young lives in our community have been lost.”

Additionally, The Wylie Elite, the cheerleading team that Daniela and Sofia cheerfully supported, is collecting gift cards throughout the week for the family. The gift cards can be dropped off at the Wylie Elite facility.

The City of Allen also issued a verified list of fundraisers on their website to help Daniela and Sofia’s family with funeral expenses and other needs during this difficult time.

The entire community remains in mourning, but the love and support of family and friends are seen as a crucial lifeline during such a time of need. People are expected to continue to rally and offer their support in the coming days and weeks. May Daniela and Sofia rest in peace.

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