UPDATE: Two young cousins, Cynthia Garcia Morales, 24, and Jaslin Avila, 21, tragically lost their lives in a car crash following Black Friday shopping in Glendale, Arizona, near Arrowhead Towne Center. The heartbreaking incident occurred on November 24, 2023, as families are left reeling from the sudden loss.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that Avila’s white GMC stopped at a yellow light on Bell Road just seconds before a silver Hyundai, driven by another motorist, sped off the Loop 101 ramp and t-boned their vehicle. Dash camera footage shows the harrowing moment of impact, illustrating the severity of the crash.
Family members express their devastation, with Yuri Morales, Avila’s mother and Garcia Morales’ aunt, stating, “They were kids. They didn’t deserve this.” The emotional toll extends to their extended family, who describe the young women as “inseparable,” having grown up together like sisters.
The crash also injured three younger siblings and cousins who were in the backseat, prompting urgent medical attention. Police have not yet released information regarding the driver of the Hyundai as the investigation is ongoing. “We just want to find out what happened,” said Stephen Garza, their uncle. “We haven’t gotten any answers.”
Avila was just two weeks away from graduating with a degree in physical therapy from Northern Arizona University, while Garcia Morales was pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher, working with kindergarten students in Buckeye. Their family is left heartbroken but finds solace in the belief that the cousins will be together forever. “At least they’ll be together and won’t be alone,” Garza shared.
To support the family during this devastating time, two fundraisers have been established to help cover funeral expenses and medical bills.
As the community mourns, this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers on the road, especially during busy shopping periods. Authorities will continue their investigation into the circumstances of the crash, and more updates are expected as families seek closure and answers.
Stay tuned for more updates and developments on this tragic story as it unfolds.
