A family is devastated after a grandmother was killed when a man jumped off a Southern California freeway bridge and onto her car.
On Aug. 9, Margarita Novela Galindo, 59, from Ontario, was sitting in the passenger seat as her husband drove on the 210 Freeway in Sylmar at around 7 p.m.
As they traveled under the Roxford Street overpass, a man jumped off the bridge in an act of suicide. His body slammed onto Margarita’s car, crashed through the windshield and landed on the woman.
Margarita was rushed to the hospital where she remained in the ICU for weeks before passing away on Aug. 28. Her husband, Florencio Galindo, survived the crash without any serious injuries.
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Margarita Galindo and her husband, Florencio Galindo, are seen with their grandchildren. (Galindo Family) -
A prayer service was held at Margarita Galindo’s home in Ontario on August 31, 2024. (KTLA) -
Margarita Novela Galindo, 59, from Ontario, is seen in a family photo. (Galindo Family) -
Margarita Galindo is seen with loved ones. (Galindo Family) -
A prayer service was held at Margarita Galindo’s home in Ontario on August 31, 2024. (KTLA) -
Margarita Novela Galindo, 59, from Ontario, is seen in a family photo. (Galindo Family)
The woman’s family remains devastated and in shock over the series of events.
“The way it all happened, it just wasn’t fair,” said David Galindo, the victim’s son.
“I’m just sad and a little angry that was her destiny, her end,” said Stephanie Galindo, the victim’s daughter.
Florencio called the authorities and his family for help moments after the deadly impact.
“Something landed on the vehicle so [my father] pulled over onto the shoulder so that he could get the guy off my mom,” David said of the frantic moments following the crash.
Florencio said he had no words to describe his grief, but said he did not hold any anger for the man responsible for his wife’s death.
On Saturday night, friends and family gathered at the couple’s home to hold a prayer service honoring the beloved grandmother.
“She goes out for a trip and then she just never comes back,” Stephanie said. “And that’s my anger. That we never said ‘Bye.’”
“She’s not here anymore,” David said. “How are we going to fill that void?”
Margarita is survived by her husband, three adult children and seven grandchildren.
A GoFundMe account to help the Galindo family with funeral expenses can be found here.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.