On a quiet Saturday afternoon in early August 2026, a newly opened In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, became the scene of a sudden and deadly attack that claimed three lives and left several others wounded. Among those killed was 23-year-old Ashley Garibay, a young woman from Stockton, California, who had traveled to the Magic Valley city specifically to help train staff and open the restaurant. Her family later described her as someone who had found genuine purpose and joy in the work she did.

In-N-Out was Ashley’s first job. According to a statement released by her relatives, she quickly fell in love with the company culture and the daily interactions with customers. She took pride in being sent to new locations to assist with openings and training, and she openly spoke of her long-term goal of one day becoming a store manager. “She was passionate about serving customers and left this world doing what she loved to do,” her family said. They remembered her as an adventurous, outgoing, smart, and determined young woman whose bright smile and contagious laugh could light up a room. Even when facing personal difficulties, she consistently looked for ways to support others and help them find hope.

Ashley’s mother, Sabrina Garibay, expressed the family’s profound shock and grief. She called her daughter an “amazing soul” with “the most beautiful heart” and a radiant smile, describing her as a beloved daughter, sister, auntie, and close friend to many. A verified GoFundMe was launched to assist with funeral costs after the family discovered fake fundraisers circulating online and publicly warned people not to donate to unauthorized pages.
The 💥 began shortly after 2 p.m. on August 1 inside the Twin Falls In-N-Out and quickly moved into the parking lot. Witnesses described a chaotic and rapidly evolving scene as the 🔫man, later identified as 24-year-old Chad Williams, moved through the area. Williams, who had previously lived in the Phoenix-area community of Waddell, Arizona, and had briefly attended the College of Southern Idaho, ultimately died from a self-inflicted 🔫shot wound. Authorities stated he appeared to have acted alone. Online activity linked to him in the years prior included frequent comments about crime, public safety, immigration enforcement, and 🔫 rights, though investigators have not publicly confirmed a specific motive.

Two other people lost their lives that day. Christopher “Toph” Claunch, 59, of Hagerman, Idaho, had been sober for two years after struggling with alcoholism and worked at a recovery center where he supported others facing similar challenges. Friends and family remembered him as goofy, caring, and committed to helping people rebuild their lives. Dale Schultz, 66, of Salt Lake City, Utah, was traveling with his wife Reinette after a family reunion when the attack unfolded near the restaurant; Reinette was among those injured.
Several bystanders took decisive action that police later credited with limiting the number of casualties. Jordan Salinas, a 35-year-old healthcare worker from nearby Kimberly, arrived with his girlfriend and initially thought the disturbance might be a kitchen fire. When he realized 💥 was occurring, he drew his legally carried 🔫 and moved toward the threat. An off-duty Idaho State Police trooper also returned 🔥. Twin Falls County Sheriff Jack Johnson and local police described their actions as heroic, saying the return 🔥 helped drive the 🔫man away from the main area of the restaurant and prevented further deaths. Employees inside the restaurant also rushed to help wounded colleagues, with one worker pulling an injured co-worker across the parking lot to safety.

In the days that followed, tributes poured in for Ashley and the other victims. In-N-Out owner and president Lynsi Snyder released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of an associate and the trauma experienced by employees and customers. Community members who had interacted with Ashley at the Twin Falls location recalled her kindness and professionalism, including one family who said she went out of her way to make them feel welcome the day before the 💥. Vigils and online memorials highlighted her positive impact and the suddenness of the loss.
As of early August 2026, the investigation remains ongoing. Full details regarding the sequence of events, the 🔫man’s background, and any potential motive continue to be examined by local, state, and federal authorities. The community of Twin Falls, along with Ashley’s family and friends in California, continues to process the tragedy while honoring the lives that were taken and the courage shown by those who intervened.
Primary source: https://nypost.com
