PHOENIX AREA – A valley family is shattered after 38-year-old Cynthia Garcia, a beloved mother, coworker, and friend, was killed in a violent two-vehicle collision late Friday night on a rain-slicked stretch of Loop 202 near Dobson Road.
Arizona Department of Public Safety officials say Garcia was driving home from her shift when another vehicle crossed the median and struck her SUV head-on just before 11 p.m. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver was transported in critical condition.
SUPPORT THE FAMILY - GOD BLESS YOU
Troopers are investigating speed and possible impairment on the part of the wrong-way driver.
Within hours, Cynthia’s Facebook page transformed into a wall of heartbreak and love. Hundreds of photos poured in: Cynthia laughing at her kids’ soccer games, hosting backyard barbecues, dressed up for girls’ nights, always the one with her arms open wide.
“She was the mom who packed extra snacks for the entire team, the coworker who covered your shift without being asked, the friend who showed up with coffee the second you texted that you were having a bad day,” wrote childhood friend Marissa Lopez.
Cynthia leaves behind two children, ages 12 and 9, who were staying with their grandmother when the crash night. A verified GoFundMe titled “Cynthia’s Angels” had raised more than $85,000 by Monday afternoon to cover funeral costs and create education funds for the kids.
At her workplace, a west-Valley medical billing office, employees wore purple ribbons Monday (her favorite color) and left her desk chair empty with a single white rose on it.
Tonight at 7 p.m., friends and family will gather for a balloon release and prayer vigil at the crash site. Drivers are asked to use caution as hundreds are expected to line the shoulder of the freeway.
“Cynthia didn’t just live in this community; she held it together with love,” said family spokesperson Angela Morales. “We’re asking everyone to hug their people a little tighter and drive a little safer in her honor.”
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to contact DPS.