A Nurse’s Harrowing Account of Survival in a Hospital Shooting

On a day that began like any other, Nurse Tosha Trostle found herself in the grips of unimaginable terror at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania. In a chilling Facebook post, Trostle recounted her harrowing experience during an armed attack on the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU). What started as a routine shift for the dedicated nurse quickly turned into a nightmare when she encountered a gunman holding her coworker, Jess, at gunpoint. Despite her training to remain calm in crises, Trostle could never have prepared for the fear and chaos that followed.

Trostle described how the gunman, later identified as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, zip-tied her arms behind her back and used her as a human shield as they moved through the hospital. She recalled the surreal moment when the attacker pressed the barrel of the gun against her neck and spine, her mind racing with thoughts of her children and the desperation to survive. “I begged to go home to my children,” she wrote, her voice trembling even in the written words. The Shooter, seemingly unhinged, responded with chilling calmness, petting her head and telling her she was doing everything right.

As they approached a doorway, Trostle and the gunman were met with a phalanx of police officers, their weapons drawn and trained on the pair. In those terrifying moments, Trostle heard the sound of gunfire, smelled the acrid smoke, and felt the weight of the shooter’s body as he fell on top of her. She remembered the sound of bullet casings hitting the floor and the officer’s urgent command to run. Struggling to free herself from under the gunman’s limp body, Trostle fell twice before an officer finally guided her to safety. The memory of the shooter’s cold, limp hand against her face as she pushed him away with her feet would stay with her forever.

The Shooter’s Motives and the Deadly Confrontation

Authorities later revealed that the gunman, Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, had arrived at the hospital with a gun and zip ties, his intentions unclear but undeniably sinister. The attack occurred on a Saturday morning, and by the time it was over, the hospital’s ICU was left scarred by violence, and multiple lives were forever changed. Archangel-Ortiz reportedly held several hospital staff members hostage, including Trostle and her colleague Jessica Breighner.

The confrontation turned deadly when responding officers encountered the gunman. In the ensuing shootout, West York Patrolman Andrew Duarte, a 30-year-old officer with a promising career ahead of him, was fatally shot. Two other officers and three hospital employees were also injured in the crossfire. Trostle, though physically unharmed, would later write about the deep emotional wounds she carried, haunted by the memory of the bravery and sacrifice displayed by Officer Duarte. “My physical injuries do not even compare fractionally to what injuries are unseen,” she wrote, reflecting on the mental toll of the ordeal.

York County District Attorney Tim Barker hinted that Archangel-Ortiz may have had recent contact with the ICU for a medical purpose involving another person, though he declined to elaborate further. The exact motives behind the gunman’s actions remain unclear, but the impact of his decisions was devastating.

A Coworker’s Brave Escape and the Aftermath

Trostle’s colleague, Jessica Breighner, also found herself at the mercy of the gunman. In a separate Facebook post, Breighner’s longtime partner, Jason Huff, recounted the terrifying moments when the gunman held a gun to her head and pulled the trigger not once, not twice, but three times. Miraculously, the gun appeared to be out of ammunition, and Breighner seized the opportunity to break free from her zip ties and flee. “That’s when she knew it was time to take her shot,” Huff wrote, recounting her courageous escape.

Before Breighner managed to escape, she was forced to listen to the gunman make chilling calls, warning someone to clean out his apartment and retrieve jewelry, as he proclaimed he was ready to die. These moments of raw terror, coupled with the sound of gunfire and the sight of her coworker being dragged away, left an indelible mark on Breighner and the entire hospital staff.

In the aftermath of the attack, the survivors were left to grapple with the emotional fallout. Trostle, in particular, expressed profound sadness and guilt, not just for her own ordeal but for the officers and staff who risked their lives to save others. “Especially, brave Officer Andrew Duarte that gave his life to bring us home,” she wrote, her words a poignant tribute to the fallen officer.

The Community Mourns and Reflects

The shooting sent shockwaves through the York, Pennsylvania, community, leaving residents grappling with the senseless violence and the loss of a dedicated public servant. Officer Andrew Duarte, who was just 30 years old, was remembered for his bravery, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to protecting his community. His funeral service, held on a somber Friday, drew mourners from across the region, all united in their grief and respect for the fallen hero.

Trostle’s account of the attack, shared on Facebook, became a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable horror. Her words painted a vivid picture of fear, survival, and gratitude, resonating with readers who found themselves moved by her courage and grace under fire. At the same time, the incident raised questions about hospital safety and the measures in place to protect healthcare workers and patients.

UPMC Memorial Hospital, while prioritizing the safety and privacy of its staff and patients, referred questions about the incident to law enforcement, as the investigation continued. For now, the hospital community remains focused on healing—both physically and emotionally—as they navigate the long road to recovery.

A Call to Action for Healing and Support

As the York community begins the difficult process of healing, the stories of Tosha Trostle, Jessica Breighner, and the responding officers serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of supporting those affected by violence. Trostle, in her Facebook post, called on the public to remember Officer Duarte and the others who were injured, urging people to extend love and compassion to the families and survivors.

The shooting also highlighted the critical need for mental health support for first responders, healthcare workers, and anyone else impacted by the tragedy. Trostle’s admission of her own emotional struggles underscored the profound and often invisible toll of such events. “I live with immense sadness and guilt of all who responded, their mental and physical injuries,” she wrote, a poignant acknowledgment of the shared trauma Experienced by so many.

In the days and weeks ahead, the focus will remain on honoring the bravery of Officer Duarte, supporting the survivors, and ensuring that those affected by the shooting receive the resources they need to heal.

A Community United in Grief and Resilience

In the face of such senseless violence, the York community has come together to show strength, solidarity, and compassion. The outpouring of support for the victims’ families, the injured officers, and the hospital staff has been a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and resilience that defines the region.

As the community begins to rebuild and heal, the stories of courage and sacrifice will serve as a reminder of the importance of standing together in the face of adversity. Trostle’s account, in particular, has become a beacon of hope, showing that even in the darkest moments, there is a way forward.

The road to recovery will be long, but with love, support, and a collective commitment to one another, the York community will emerge stronger and more united than ever before.