The Delta Puente Club is grieving the loss of a fellow member, 27-year-old Delta Student Emmanuel Ruiz.
Ruiz was killed during a Nov. 8 home invasion.
According to KCRA, two other members of Ruiz’s family died as well, leaving only two survivors, including a six-year-old boy.
Puente Club President Sofy Bobadilla has placed a picture of Ruiz on the Dia de Los Muertos altar in the library to honor him.
The altar is a collaboration between the Art and Puente clubs to commerorate the Mexican holiday of Dia de Los Muertos.
“He actually helped us set up,” said Bobadilla said. “It was a shock.”
Ruiz was an active member, continuingly looking for volunteer opportunities.
Ruiz also had a young son and is remembered as a proud father.
“He brought (his son) to one of the fundraisers on Halloween. He was helping us out, he always asked if there was anything he can do to help,” Bobadilla said.
Ruiz was new to the club, starting this semester, but his presence continued to make the club feel more like a family, Bobadilla said.
“We barely met him, [but] we try to include everyone. They come from different backgrounds, they come from different pasts.
We come together. And even if we don’t have the same interest, we’re still a part of the club,” she added.
The Puente Club will host a fundraiser to raise money for the family. Puente is also looking to set up an account for Ruiz’s family in the Delta Cashier’s office.
No arrests have been made in the shooting.
Anyone with knowledge of the crime is asked to call the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 468-4444.