PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla (CBS12) — Friends, family members, and strangers across South Florida are coming together to support a Palm Beach County firefighter-paramedic who lost both of his parents in a tragic murder-suicide over the weekend.
An online fundraiser for 30-year-old Ralphy Varela has already raised thousands of dollars as supporters work to help him navigate the unimaginable loss. The fundraiser has been widely shared across social media, along with a photo of Varela and his mother, Elizabeth “Liz” Ortega.
Ortega, a longtime Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office communications officer, spent years helping callers through emergencies and crises. Colleagues and friends say she was deeply respected and loved by those who knew her.
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Ralphy Varela, a Palm Beach County Fire Rescue firefighter-paramedic, poses with his mother, Elizabeth “Liz” Ortega, in a photo shared by family. (Courtesy: Jorge Uricoechea)
According to Port St. Lucie police, Ortega was killed Saturday at her home. Investigators say her longtime partner, Ralph Varela Sr., shot her before taking his own life. Detectives say the couple had recently ended their long-term relationship but continued living together while other arrangements were being made.
Police said the couple’s adult son had left the home shortly before the shooting occurred. Neighbors called 911 after hearing gunfire.
As the investigation continues, much of the community’s focus has shifted to supporting Ralphy Varela, who serves as a firefighter-paramedic with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.
One lifelong friend described Ortega simply as “very loved.”
Supporters say the fundraiser, created by Jorge Uricoechea, is a way to honor Ortega’s memory while helping her son rebuild in the days and weeks ahead.