LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — As we learn more details about the shooting investigation at the northwest LVAC, the gym has reopened its doors to try to get back to some level of normalcy.
When entering the facility, there is still one class window now replaced with a wooden board from the impact of Friday’s incident.
While gymgoers say it’s nice to go back to their normal routine, there’s still a somber feeling in the gym where Edgar Quinonez worked for several years.
Those impacted heavily are the employees who worked with him day in and day out.
“Edgar’s gift to me in my life was joy,” said Kate Rodriguez, who teared up speaking of the 32-year-old.
Rodriguez says it will take time to heal from the passing of her friend and coworker.
“He was joy and the source of breath when you – when something was going on,” she said of Quinonez.
Quinonez was the first person Rodriguez contacted when she heard of the shooting, not knowing she wouldn’t receive a response back.
Rodriguez returned to work Monday morning, still trying to understand why this all happened.
“Gives me chills, honestly, thinking about it, because my Mondays, Edgar would be here in the morning. He was the weekend manager. So I’d come in on Mondays, and his smile was just the first thing you’d always see,” she said.
Soleil Santana, who was at the facility with her boyfriend Lansing during the shooting, also said coming back wasn’t easy, especially when she came back to pick up their items left behind during the incident.
“I walked in and I was able to get my things. And it was just very, you know, a lot of somber energy in there. And, you know, I was able to do it, but it was, it was a little hard,” she said.
But the couple says it was important for them to come back to their routine.
“When this is your home, it feels better. And, so we’re anticipating coming back. We do understand the severity of the situation, but also eager to get back as well, whenever we can,” said Lansing Santana.
But the process has been a little different for others.
“I think it’s going to take me a while because I don’t see myself again inside of a racket ball court,” said Lloyd Peralta. “You know, I don’t know what’s going to happen once I step inside that place.”
Peralta says it’s the flashbacks that are taking a toll on him.
“I think it’s going to be the memories. The memories at the very beginning, when everything started out and we were inside that court, I can tell you, my whole life went through – like so many things come to your mind, like your family, your kids,” he said.
Right now, officials at the gym say they are offering crisis counseling for staff and members.
They say Quinonez was like family.
“We can get back to healing and normalcy,” said Lansing. “And, and it’s okay to cry and to still think about that, but still get back to normal life as much as possible.”
The Vice President of Education at LVAC said that one time, a member passed out in a jacuzzi during a cardiac incident.
He said Quinonez did compressions and used his CPR skills before EMS arrived, saving the member.
He says this was the type of person Quinonez was, and he will be greatly missed.
Gym officials tell News 3 they are talking to Metro Police about recommendations following the incident and what the best practices are for this type of business.
They will also continue training employees on how to keep an eye on potential situations.
They say that during the shooting, the emergency exits to let people out worked great.