A tribute to Angela Gomez, the youngest victim in the Route 91 Harvest Festival tragedy two years ago, was unveiled in downtown Riverside this afternoon.
A Riverside native, Angie was just 20 years old when she became one of 58 people untimely killed on October 1st, 2017, when she was gunned down during the three day country music festival.
The mosaic, "Angela's Wings," featuring thousands of hand-placed tiles, is located in downtown Riverside, at Mario's Place, directly across from the Mission Inn.
Riverside artists Greg and Cathy Maxwell were commissioned to create the display, which was created in collaboration with Mario’s Place, Dal Tile, the City of Riverside’s Neighborhood Engagement Division, The Community Foundation, Angela’s Wishes -The Angela C. Gomez Memorial Foundation and the Riverside Arts Council.
Prior to the display's reveal, a reception at Mario's Place included entertainment from the Poly High School Cheer Squad and Riverside Children's Theatre, two local organizations Angie was heavily involved in, as well as a performance of Carrie Underwood's "Love Wins" from local singer Shelby Sloneker.
Riverside Mayor Rusty Bailey described Angela as "Riverside's Sweetheart" and graciously thanked "all the talented people in our city who have come together today."
Angela's parents, Steve and Julie Gomez, recalled their daughter's passion for being on stage and for cheerleading, the plans to watch "Grey's Anatomy" upon her return from Las Vegas, and her love of the word "serendipity."
Coincidentally, the date of the unveiling of the memorial falls on the date two years ago that Angela left for Las Vegas to attend Route 91.
The couple also expressed their appreciation for the Route 91 family, "We're all connected," noted Mrs. Gomez. "They've become part of a great big community of support."
Route 91 survivor, and Angela's boyfriend, Ethan Sanchez, described by Angela's family as "the love of her life," also spoke, encouraging those who loved her to keep talking about her, and to move forward, even if moving on wasn't possible.
The mosaic is located in the alley next to Mario's place. Beside it is a plaque listing all 58 victims of Route 91 and their dates of birth.