VISTA, CALIFORNIA: A 33-year-old San Diego woman has been arrested after her two children were mowed down by a vehicle while trying to retreive baggage that had fallen off their car on a busy California highway, after 6 pm on Sunday, June 18, when Sandra Ortiz pulled onto the righthand shoulder of the Route 78 Freeway in Vista, near San Diego.
After Ortiz’s green GMC Yukon SUV came to a stop, her two children, Alan Gerardo, 10, and Amy Monserrat, 16, jumped out of the vehicle and ran across the road to retrieve the bags. According to the California Motorway Patrol, the youngsters were on foot in the eastbound traffic lanes of the highway when they were struck by a white Nissan Sentra that was moving east in the third lane. No charges have been brought against the Nissan's 41-year-old female driver, who remained at the scene until authorities arrived. Both Gerardo and Monserrat died at the scene as a result of the crash.
Who is Sandra Ortiz?
After the horrific accident, Ortiz, who stayed in the car as her children ran onto the highway, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI), gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and child endangerment. She is currently being held on a $500,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, June 22. Recently, Alma Guerra, a relative of the children, confirmed that Ortiz and her children, who were from Vista, were traveling to the park to celebrate Father's Day. She also revealed that Ortiz's four other children were also in the SUV at the time of the accident.
"There are four little ones asking for their siblings, asking for their mother. A father who has lost two of his children on Father's Day, and a grandmother who has dedicated her life to her grandchildren, who is absolutely devastated," Guerra told CBS 8.
A fundraising campaign has been set up to help Gerardo and Monserrat's family with the funeral expenses. “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the tragic loss of our beloved children, Amy and Alan. Today, we would like to honor the memory of Amy and Alan,” the Aguilar family said in a statement released on Monday, June 19.
'Her love extended beyond her immediate family'
“Amy, a sweet and kind soul, had an unwavering passion for baking and dreamed of becoming a chef. Her love extended beyond her immediate family as she selflessly prepared meals for her siblings. Amy's warmth, generosity, and the love she shared touched the lives of all who knew her. Alan, with his aspiring dreams of becoming an architect, possessed a unique talent for embroidery work. His dedication and love for his hobby were evident as he envisioned a future where he could retire and provide a home for his beloved Grandma,” the statement further read. The devastated family also “expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and condolences we have received from the community.”
