RIVERVIEW, Florida – Nearly two decades after they first met, Rachel Keesee and her fiance Bryan Proenza were looking forward to getting married and sharing their lives together. However, their dreams were shattered on Jan. 16, when Proenza was shot and killed during a road rage incident in Riverview. Keesee, now 30, reflects on their enduring connection and the sudden tragedy that tore them apart.
After seven years together and with five children in their care, Keesee and Proenza had planned to tie the knot this month. Instead of exchanging wedding vows, Keesee and her family are now preparing for Proenza’s funeral. At the corner of Rose Lane and Baytree Drive in Riverview, Proenza, 34, was found by Hillsborough County sheriff’s deputies with multiple gunshot wounds.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unclear. An arrest affidavit details that a passenger in the car with the suspect, Jorge Ramirez, described aggressive driving behavior that eventually led to the fatal altercation with Proenza. Ramirez has been charged with aggravated battery but has not been charged in Proenza’s death.
Since Ramirez’s release on bail, Proenza’s family has been living in fear, with the suspect residing just 2 miles away. Recent events include a celebration of life for Proenza, as well as a car wash organized by his family to raise funds for his funeral expenses.
Proenza’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to seek assistance, and Keesee and her children are now left to grapple with the loss of their beloved fiance and father. With detectives continuing to investigate the incident, authorities are appealing for anyone with information to come forward and assist in their inquiries.