A Santa Clarita man is grieving the loss of his parents after they were killed in a multi-vehicle crash along a busy intersection.
David Ortiz was traveling in Colorado for work on Friday when he received a heartbreaking call from his sister.
“She was screaming and crying, saying how much blood there was,” Ortiz said. “I tried to calm her down as much as I could.”
It was around 11:30 p.m. on Friday when Ortiz’s parents and 25-year-old sister crashed near the intersection of Newhall Ranch and Bouquet Canyon Roads. Ortiz said their parents, Genry and Patty, were killed in the crash. His sister, Erin, survived but was seriously hurt and taken to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in Valencia.
Ortiz said he immediately left his work trip to be by his sister’s side.
“She’s got tons of broken bones,” he said of Erin. “She can barely move. In a neck brace all day, facing so many surgeries.”
“She’s in a lot of pain,” he added. “Not just physical, but also emotional. Seeing her every day just breaks my heart.”
Ortiz described his parents as dedicated members of the Ebenezer Church in Santa Clarita. He said they were committed to their faith and helping others, and added that he feels a bit of peace that his parents are with their lord. However, he also acknowledged that he remains in mourning.
“As a 27-year-old, you don’t think you’ll be burying both of your parents,” he said. “And so, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”
As he navigates grief, Ortiz said he’s grateful for the support of his friends, family and congregation.