UPDATE: The community of Gilroy is reeling as 43-year-old Stacia Stuart has died from injuries sustained in a tragic crosswalk accident, merely days after her husband, 44-year-old Andrew Stuart, was killed in the same incident. The couple was struck by a vehicle just after 8 a.m. on January 16, 2023, while walking their children to school.
Authorities confirm that the couple was in a marked crosswalk at Charles Lux Drive and Lopez Way, located just a block from Las Animas Elementary School, when a teenage driver collided with them. Andrew died at the scene, while Stacia was rushed to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries, according to the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office.
In a statement from Gilroy police, the driver remained at the scene, and investigators found no signs of impairment. Currently, there is no indication that the driver has been arrested or cited. The heartbreaking incident has left the couple’s 7-year-old twins without both parents, drawing an outpouring of grief and support from the community.
A GoFundMe page created to assist the Stuart twins states, “They are currently surrounded by loving family.” It emphasizes the profound impact Andrew and Stacia had on their loved ones, stating, “For anyone who knew Andrew and Stacia, you know they were always the brightest faces in the room, always smiling.” The page aims to support the children as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
The Gilroy Unified School District superintendent confirmed the couple’s children are enrolled in local schools, with one attending Las Animas Elementary and the other attending a nearby school. The community is rallying around the children, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and caution when driving in school zones.
Local officials urge drivers to remain vigilant, highlighting the importance of safety in school areas. The fundraising page poignantly expresses the community’s hope that others learn from this tragedy, pleading, “We wish this wasn’t real, we wish these children did not have to know a life without their parents.”
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the loss of two beloved figures, while the Stuart twins face an uncertain future. Local authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the collision to come forward as they continue to seek answers.
This devastating incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly in areas frequented by children. The outpouring of support for the Stuart family highlights the profound impact of this tragedy, as friends, family, and community members come together during this time of mourning. Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.
