UPDATE: Tragedy struck in Glendale, Arizona, as two young cousins were killed in a devastating car crash following their Black Friday shopping spree. The victims, identified as Cynthia Garcia Morales, 24, and Jaslin Avila, 21, were involved in the collision near Arrowhead Towne Center on November 24, 2023.
Authorities report that the crash occurred when Avila’s white GMC stopped at a yellow light on Bell Road, just moments before a silver Hyundai sped off the Loop 101 ramp, colliding with their vehicle. Dash camera footage captures the harrowing moment, revealing the suddenness of the tragedy. “Jaslin was driving, and she was such a safe driver,” said their aunt, Naomi Morales. “If she would have kept going on a yellow light instead of stopping, the car would have never hit them.”
The family, still reeling from the loss, described the victims as inseparable since childhood. “They were kids. They were not women. They were our babies,” expressed Yuri Morales, Avila’s mother and Garcia Morales’ aunt. The crash also left three younger siblings and cousins in the backseat with varying injuries, prompting urgent medical attention.
Authorities have not released any information regarding the driver of the Hyundai, as the investigation remains active. “We just want to find out what happened with the situation, because we haven’t gotten any answers,” said Stephen Garza, their uncle. The family is seeking clarity amidst their grief, underscoring the emotional toll of the incident.
Both Garcia Morales and Avila were poised for bright futures. Avila was only two weeks away from graduating with a degree in physical therapy from Northern Arizona University. “Jaslin was a really bright girl. She was always very happy, very spontaneous,” Garza recalled. Meanwhile, Garcia Morales was pursuing her dream to become a teacher while working with kindergarten students in Buckeye. “She had a future, she had a career, and she had a heart of gold,” her aunt shared.
The family’s heartbreak is palpable as they try to find solace in their memories. “At least they’ll be together and won’t be alone,” Garza said. “That’s the only peace of mind that our family has is that they’re going to be together watching over us.”
In response to this tragic loss, two fundraisers have been established to assist the family with funeral expenses and medical bills. The community’s support is crucial during this harrowing time.
As the investigation unfolds, the family, friends, and community are left grappling with the profound impact of this loss. Updates will continue as authorities provide more information on the crash and its circumstances.
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