Background: News footage of the scene of the crash on Feb. 6 (KTLA). Inset: Patty and Genry Ortiz (GoFundMe).
The incident occurred in Santa Clarita, a city located just north of Los Angeles, at the intersection of Newhall Canyon Road and Bouquet Canyon Road. It was here that their vehicle was hit, resulting in the deaths of the couple and leaving their daughter with severe injuries. The crash involved three vehicles, according to authorities, and the driver responsible was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Erin Ortiz survived the crash but was hospitalized with what have been described as “life-altering injuries.” Her brother, Eder David Ortiz, shared with local news outlets the emotional turmoil and the physical pain his sister is enduring. “She’s definitely in some pain. Her wrist is very hurt, and her whole body is affected,” he explained, adding that despite multiple fractures, she is showing signs of improvement.
As the Ortiz family grapples with this devastating loss, their son Eder is focused on navigating his emotions and providing support to his sister as she begins the long road to recovery. The community has rallied around them, offering condolences and support as they face this unimaginable tragedy.
Eder David Ortiz, the son of Patty Ortiz and Genry Ortiz, told local ABC outlet KABC that his sister was “definitely in some pain. Her wrist is very hurt. I mean, really, her whole body, she can’t really move.” He similarly told local CW affiliate KTLA that she had suffered “a lot of fractures,” but noted that she was “doing better” than expected.
According to reporting by KABC, the Ortiz family was in one of three vehicles involved in the crash that took place at 11:15 p.m. on Friday. While in an intersection at Newhall Canyon Road and Bouquet Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, a Southern California city just north of Los Angeles, their vehicle was hit by the suspected drunk driver, who also allegedly hit a third vehicle that was waiting in the same intersection.
The Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Office said one of the parents was pronounced dead at the scene; the other was taken to a hospital and died from their injuries. Erin Ortiz was hospitalized with “severe and life-altering injuries” that will require “extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing support,” according to a GoFundMe started by family friends.
Police said they conducted a breath test on the driver of the vehicle that allegedly caused the crash, and he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. His name was not released.
