SANTA CLARITA, Calif. — A husband and wife were killed late Friday night in a devastating multi-vehicle crash at a busy Santa Clarita intersection, leaving their daughter with severe injuries and a male driver arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, authorities said. The collision has deeply affected the local community and raised renewed concerns about impaired driving on crowded roadways.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies responded around 11:30 p.m. to the intersection of Newhall Ranch Road and Bouquet Canyon Road after reports of a serious crash involving multiple vehicles. When deputies arrived, they found several people injured. One person was pronounced dead at the scene, while another later died at a nearby hospital, according to Sgt. Joana Warren, who spoke with City News Service.
The victims were later identified through a family fundraiser as Genry and Paty Ortiz, a married couple who were traveling together at the time of the crash. Their daughter, Erin Ortiz, survived but suffered what family members described as “severe and life-altering injuries.” She remains hospitalized as doctors continue to treat her injuries and monitor her condition.
A GoFundMe titled “Help the Ortiz Family Through This Difficult Time” was created to help cover medical bills, funeral costs, and other expenses for Erin and her brother. By Sunday, the fundraiser had raised nearly $30,000, reflecting an outpouring of community support. Loved ones described Genry and Paty as a loving, God-fearing couple who were returning home from church when the tragedy occurred.
Authorities said one of the drivers involved in the crash was given a breathalyzer test at the scene before being transported to a hospital for treatment. That driver was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Officials have not yet released the driver’s name or detailed the specific charges that may be filed.
Deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station and crews from the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the scene to assist the injured and manage traffic in the area. The cause of the crash remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the full sequence of events that led to the deadly collision.
