A late-night drive home from church ended in tragedy for a Santa Clarita family on Friday when an alleged drunk driver slammed into their car at a busy intersection, killing Genry and Patty Ortiz and leaving their 25-year-old daughter critically injured, according to relatives. Family members identified the couple and said they were heading home from church with their daughter when the collision occurred. Authorities said a 17-year-old male was arrested at the scene.
Where and when the crash happened
The crash happened at about 11:15 p.m. Friday at Newhall Ranch Road and Bouquet Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, according to ABC7. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said one family member was pronounced dead at the scene and the other later died at a hospital.
Family and injuries
The couple's son, Eder David Ortiz, told NBC Los Angeles that his 25-year-old sister, Erin Ortiz, has "got tons of broken bones" and is facing multiple surgeries as she begins what is expected to be a long and painful recovery. Friends and church members have created a growing memorial of flowers at the crash site and have opened a GoFundMe to help cover Erin's medical costs and the family's funeral expenses.
Investigation and possible charges
Traffic Services Detail detectives are investigating the violent collision and have collected evidence at the scene, and investigators expect to present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration, MyNewsLA.com reports. Deputies said they administered a breath test at the scene, and the 17-year-old suspected driver was booked on suspicion of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter. Anyone with information was urged to call the Santa Clarita Valley Station traffic office at 661-260-4000 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
Community reaction
Neighbors and church members described Genry and Patty Ortiz as devoted volunteers who were deeply involved in their faith community, and many have rallied around the couple's surviving children, according to ABC7. The family is asking for prayers and support as Erin undergoes surgeries and relatives work through funeral plans and long-term care arrangements.
