Santa Clarita Tragedy: Couple Dies in Accident, Teen Charged with DUI
Teen Arrested Following Fatal DUI Crash in Santa Clarita
LOS ANGELES – A teenager has been arrested for felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter after a tragic crash claimed the lives of a married couple in Santa Clarita on Friday night.
The accident occurred around 11:15 p.m. near the intersection of Newhall Ranch Road and Bouquet Canyon Road. Reports indicate that the couple, identified as Genry and Patty Ortiz, were driving home from church when their vehicle was struck head-on by a driver traveling at a high speed.
Patty, also known as Sylvia Lux, 49, suffered multiple blunt force injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her husband, Gerry Ortiz, 54, was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Their daughter, Erin, survived the crash but sustained serious injuries.
Authorities with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that a juvenile was arrested at the scene and booked for felony DUI and manslaughter.
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been established to support Erin’s extensive medical care and rehabilitation needs. The couple also has a son, David, who is now grappling with the sudden loss of both parents while providing support to his sister.
The GoFundMe page described the Ortiz family as "hardworking, loving people" who were deeply committed to their family, faith, and community. It highlighted their involvement in church activities and their willingness to assist those in need, stating that their "kindness, strength, and unwavering faith touched so many lives."
The implications of this incident highlight the critical issue of impaired driving and its devastating consequences on families and communities.
