The event, set for Saturday, Jan. 3, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., will be held near her home at Wildhorse Sports Park.
SAN ANTONIO — The Bexar County community is coming together to remember Camila Mendoza Olmos with a celebration of life this weekend on the northwest side.
The memorial gathering, set for Saturday, Jan. 3, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., will be held near her home at Wildhorse Sports Park, located at 9779 Mustang Farm. Family, friends and several residents plan to attend the event, which includes a balloon release at 6 p.m.
A flyer states that the gathering will allow those mourning to “celebrate Camila’s beautiful life, lift her loved ones in prayer, and surround one another with God’s peace and love.”
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar confirmed Wednesday a body found Tuesday afternoon in a field in northwest Bexar County was that of the missing 19-year-old woman whose disappearance prompted a massive search and nationwide interest.
Camila was last seen on Christmas Eve when her mother reported her missing from their home in the Wildhorse subdivision north of Loop 1604. Earlier that morning, she was also captured on a home surveillance camera standing in the driveway near her car.
Sheriff Salazar said the FBI assisted investigators by examining Camila’s phone and iPad, which were left behind at her home.
Deputies discovered Olmos’ body Tuesday afternoon near a landscaping company off FM 1560, not far from her home. A gun was found next to her, according to investigators.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled her death a suicide.
“This was a young person going through a very tough time in their life and going through some emotional issues,” Salazar said. “There were some indicators of suicidal ideations as well.”
Olmos’s family released a statement Wednesday, thanking the community and asking for privacy. The statement reads in part:
“In the name of the Olmos family, we want to give a humble and heartfelt thank you to all the news reporters, churches, friends, families, and communities for your support and prayers. Our beloved Camila Mendoza Olmos is now with the Good Lord.
We kindly ask that you please respect our pain and, most importantly, keep my cousin Rosario — Camila’s mom — and my nephew Carlos — Camila’s brother — in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
The bottom of the balloon release flyer highlights an excerpt from Psalm 34:18.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Organizers hope the balloon release will offer a space for healing, reflection and unity after the tragic loss of Camila.