A California couple, Patty and Genry Ortiz, were killed in a suspected drunk-driving crash in Santa Clarita while driving home from church with their 25-year-old daughter, Erin. Their son, Eder David Ortiz, survived and is now focused on supporting Erin as she recovers from serious injuries.
Crash details
The collision happened around 11:15 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Newhall Canyon Road and Bouquet Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, just north of Los Angeles. The Ortiz family’s vehicle was one of three involved when a suspected impaired driver struck their car in the intersection and also hit a third vehicle that was waiting there.
Victims and injuries
One of the parents died at the scene, while the other was taken to a hospital and later died from their injuries. Erin Ortiz was hospitalized with “severe and life-altering injuries,” including many fractures, and is in significant pain and has difficulty moving, according to her brother.
Family response and support
Eder David Ortiz has told local media he is trying to manage his emotions while making sure his sister is okay, describing her as being in a lot of pain but doing better than initially expected. Friends and community members have started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs for Patty and Genry and ongoing medical and rehabilitation expenses for Erin.
Suspected DUI driver
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Santa Clarita Division administered a breath test to the driver believed to have caused the crash, and that person was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Authorities have not yet publicly released the suspect’s name.
