Family of Palm Springs crash victim mourns loss and arrest
Marilyn Reagins says a storm struck her family early Sunday morning when her daughter, 18-year-old Tierra Reagins, of Palm Springs, and her friend, 21-year-old Osvaldo Ramirez, of Cathedral City, died in a car crash at Gene Autry Trail and Tachevah in Palm Springs.
“I’m going to miss her. I have good days and bad days, but I know God loved her more,” said Marilyn Regins.
Police said the driver of the car, 21-year-old Jonathon Garcia-Avila, of Cathedral City, caused the deadly crash. He allegedly drove drunk, speeding down Gene Autry Trail and then crashed into a light pole, killing Tierra and Osvaldo.
Garcia-Avila was hospitalized with major injuries. Another passenger walked away with minor injuries.
“Why would he go so fast? Maybe he didn’t know he was going fast like that,” said Reagins.
Garcia-Avila immediately went to jail after he was released from the hospital Wednesday afternoon. He’s charged with two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing injury.
“He deserves to be arrested. He killed two people. Not only are we mourning Tierra, but we feel bad for Ozzy’s family as well,” Domaniek Clayborn, Tierra’s cousin.
“I don’t know the guy who was driving, but I’m sure they knew him enough and considered him a friend, and felt safe enough to get in a car with him. They didn’t think it’d end that way,” said Althea Edwards, Tierra’s cousin.
Reagins’ family said it can only try to forgive and hope all four families affected can come together to lay Tierra and Osvaldo to rest.
“I know Tierra wouldn’t want me to hold a grudge like that because she wouldn’t do it. I’m just sorry for everybody who was in the car. I’m sorry for my baby being there,” said Reagins.
The community is invited to a funeral service for Tierra this Saturday at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 588 Rosa Parks Rd, in Palm Springs.
Osvaldo’s friends say his family is still in the process of planning his services.
We learned the driver, Garcia-Avila, had a warrant for his arrest for and unrelated case, where he’s charged with two misdemeanors involving sex with a minor.
