Margarita Novela Galindo, a 59-year-old grandmother from Ontario, California, lost her life on August 28, 2024, after spending nearly three weeks in critical condition following a tragic incident on the 210 Freeway in Sylmar, Los Angeles.
On August 9, Margarita was traveling on the freeway with her husband, Florencio, heading toward a weekend getaway. Around 7 p.m., as they approached the Roxford Street overpass, a man reportedly jumped off the structure in an apparent suicide attempt, landing on their car’s windshield. The impact caused severe injuries to Margarita, who was seated in the passenger seat.
Florencio, who was driving at the time, sustained only minor injuries but was deeply shaken by the incident. The Los Angeles Fire Department had been alerted to the man’s intentions just before the jump, but the tragedy happened before intervention could occur.
Margarita was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, where she remained in the Intensive Care Unit for nearly three weeks. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, she passed away on August 28, leaving behind a heartbroken family.
David Galindo, Margarita’s son, shared his family’s sorrow on a GoFundMe page, expressing the deep injustice of losing his mother due to another person’s actions. He described his mother as a loving and caring individual. He conveyed the profound heartbreak and struggle his family is facing as they try to come to terms with this unbearable loss. The fundraising effort has generated over $22,000 to help with expenses.
The family has been left questioning the randomness of the event and pondering what might have prevented the incident. “What if she stopped to get gas? What if she stopped to get water? This probably wouldn’t have happened,” David reflected. His sister, Stephanie, added, “It could’ve just been two seconds off, two inches away. My mom would’ve been fine.”
Although Florencio is deeply saddened by his wife’s death, he holds no ill will toward the man who jumped. According to Stephanie Galindo, who translated her father’s words from Spanish, Florencio understands that the man may have been struggling with serious issues that led him to take his own life, and he feels no resentment toward him.
The family recently organized a small memorial service for Margarita, bringing together friends and loved ones to honor her memory. Stephanie expressed her frustration, reflecting on how her mother left for a trip and never returned. She added that her anger stems from the fact that they never had the chance to say goodbye.
