UPDATE: A tragic DUI crash in Santa Clarita, California has left a couple dead and their daughter hospitalized. The incident occurred late Friday night, around 11:15 p.m., when their vehicle was struck by another driver at the intersection of Newhall Canyon Road and Bouquet Canyon Road.
The victims, identified as Genry and Patty Ortiz, were returning home from church with their 25-year-old daughter, Erin, who is now recovering from serious injuries. Eyewitnesses report that flowers and tributes have already begun to accumulate at the crash site as the community reels from the shocking loss.
According to the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Department, one of the parents died at the scene, while the other succumbed to their injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital. Erin’s brother, Eder David Ortiz, provided an emotional update on his sister’s condition, stating, “She’s definitely in some pain. Her wrist is very hurt. I mean, really, her whole body, she can’t really move.”
The family, known for their dedication to community service through their local church, is now turning to their faith amid this tragedy. “As believers in Christ, we don’t really understand a lot of things that happen, but we trust that God does it for a reason,” Eder said.
Authorities confirmed that the other driver involved in the crash has been arrested on suspicion of DUI. No further details about this driver have been released. In light of their devastating loss, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the Ortiz family with funeral expenses and medical bills for Erin, who now faces life-altering injuries.
The community is urged to come together to support the Ortiz family during this unimaginable time. As investigations into the crash continue, the family is relying on faith and the support of friends and loved ones to navigate the road ahead.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more details emerge.
