Mom of 7-Year-Old Twins Dies Days After Crosswalk Collision That Also Killed Her Husband During Elementary School Drop Off

A California mother who was critically injured after a teenager hit her in a crosswalk has died days after the crash — an incident that also killed her husband.

On Friday, Jan. 16, the couple had just dropped off one of their children at Las Animas Elementary School in Gilroy when a teen driver struck them around 8 a.m. local time.

The collision happened as the parents walked through a crosswalk at the intersection of Charles Lux Drive and Lopez Way, according to the Gilroy Police Department.

Reporting by the San Francisco Chronicle and KTVU on Jan. 21 said loved ones confirmed that Stacia Stuart died from her injuries. Her husband, Andrew Stuart, was pronounced dead at the scene. Stacia had been described by police as being in “serious” condition and was airlifted to a hospital after the crash.

The couple were parents to 7-year-old twins, according to KTVU.

A post on LinkedIn also shared news of Stacia and Andrew’s deaths, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

“It is with great sadness that I share the passing of Andrew Stuart and his beloved wife Stacia Stuart, who tragically lost their lives following a fatal collision on 16 January,” the post by Amit Samani read. “Andrew and Stacia leave behind their 7-year-old twins, who have just lost their absolute rocks. In the coming days, Andrew’s sister, Kelly Younger will be communicating next steps.”

On Jan. 16, the Gilroy Unified School District said in a Facebook post that two parents connected to Las Animas Elementary and Rod Kelley Elementary had been involved in a crash after school drop-off.

“This morning, two of our parents were involved in an accident after dropping their child off at Las Animas.. The father died at the scene and the mother was airlifted to a local hospital,” Superintendent Anisha Munshi, Ed.D. wrote.

Munshi added that the district was working to support the children and said onsite counseling was immediately available to students, families and staff at both schools.

Gilroy Fire Department and Gilroy Police Department also issued a joint statement on Jan. 17 saying they were “deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred on the morning of January 16 in the Glen Loma neighborhood at the intersection of Charles Lux Drive and Lopez Way, involving a vehicle and pedestrians.”

“Our hearts continue to be with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this event,” the statement added.

Gilroy Mayor Greg Bozzo also released a statement expressing condolences to those affected.

“On behalf of the City and the entire City Council, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones affected by this devastating event,” Bozzo said. “Moments like this remind us how precious life is and how closely connected we are as a community.”

“Our thoughts will remain with the family, friends, and all those in our community who have been deeply affected by this tragedy,” he added. “We know you are hurting. Gilroy will stand together in remembrance and support today, tomorrow and in the coming weeks and months.”

In the wake of the crash, a Change.org campaign created by Lisa Reese has gathered more than 2,500 signatures calling for flashing crosswalk lights near Las Animas Elementary.

“A tragedy struck our community when my cousin and his wife, cherished members of our family and neighborhood, were killed by a reckless driver in the crosswalk behind Las Animas Elementary School,” the description said.

The post added, “This crosswalk, used daily by children, parents, and school staff, is a vital passageway. Yet its safety measures are inadequate, leading to devastating consequences.”

Police have said “drugs, alcohol and speed” were ruled out as factors in the crash, and authorities described the teen driver as “being cooperative with the investigation.”

Authorities and school officials were contacted for comment.