Parents of 7-Year-Old Twins Killed in Devastating School Crosswalk Tragedy

A California mother who was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle while walking in a school crosswalk has died just days after the same crash killed her husband.

The tragedy unfolded on the morning of Friday, Jan. 16, when Stacia and Andrew Stuart had just dropped off one of their children at Las Animas Elementary School in Gilroy. As the couple walked through a nearby crosswalk around 8 a.m., they were hit by a teenage driver, according to previous reporting.

The collision occurred at the intersection of Charles Lux Drive and Lopez Way, the Gilroy Police Department said. Andrew Stuart was pronounced dead at the scene, while Stacia was rushed by airlift to a hospital in critical condition.

On Jan. 21, loved ones confirmed that Stacia had died from her injuries, according to reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and KTVU. The couple leaves behind their 7-year-old twins.

News of the deaths spread quickly through the community. A LinkedIn post shared by family friend Amit Samani described the loss as devastating, noting that the twins had “just lost their absolute rocks.” He added that Andrew’s sister, Kelly Younger, would be communicating next steps for the family.

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, the Gilroy Unified School District confirmed that two parents of district students had been involved in a serious accident. Superintendent Anisha Munshi wrote that counseling services were made immediately available for students, families, and staff at both Las Animas Elementary and Rod Kelley Elementary.

Gilroy Fire Department and Gilroy Police Department released a joint statement the following day, saying they were “deeply saddened by the tragic incident” and extending their condolences to everyone affected.

Gilroy Mayor Greg Bozzo also issued a statement expressing heartbreak over the loss. He said the city would stand together in support of the family and community in the weeks and months ahead.

In response to the tragedy, a Change.org petition calling for flashing crosswalk lights at Las Animas Elementary has gathered more than 2,500 signatures. The campaign describes the crosswalk as a heavily used route for children, parents, and school staff, and argues that existing safety measures were insufficient.

Authorities have said drugs, alcohol, and speed were ruled out as factors in the crash. Police also stated that the teenage driver has been cooperative with the ongoing investigation.