- April 24, 2024
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A father and his son died in a crash this weekend, and now the mother is left to mourn them and pay for the funeral.
Kristin Ruiz, 25, was driving with his 1-year-old son, Jonothan Ruiz, on May 31, when he got ensnared in an 11-vehicle crash, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The Ruizes were two of four who were killed in the crash, which was caused when a semi-truck driver apparently failed to stop for backed-up traffic at mile marker 301 on Interstate 95. The traffic was backed up because of a crash two hours earlier at mile marker 288, just south of Palm Coast Parkway. Two people died in that crash, bringing the total fatalities for the day to six. Among the dead is another Palm Coast resident, Nilda Valentine Rivera, 41.
Jonothan’s mother is Amanda Baker, who lives in Jacksonville.
“She is faced with arrangements for both of them that passed away,” said Baker’s cousin, Palm Coast resident Kristine Carlson. To help, Carlson has set up an online fundraising effort for the family. The goal is raise $5,000, she said in a June 2 phone interview, and within about 24 hours, the total surpassed $2,600. Sixty people had donated.
Amanda Baker is a Flagler Palm Coast graduate, according to Carlson.
“Kristin was a very good dad,” Carlson recalled. “He loved his son. He was funny. He was always cracking jokes. … He was always playing with him and making him laugh. He was very much involved … and attentive to his needs.”
The crashes claimed the lives of Kristin Ruiz and Jonothan Ruiz, as well as the following: Pamela Taylor Thor, 56, of St. Augustine; Michael Benjamin Chance, 17, of Jacksonville; Nilda Valentine Rivera, 41, of Palm Coast; Barbara Pennington, 41, of Lakeland.
The following sustained injuries: Palm Coast resident Randolph Anthony Smiroldo, 54 (critical); Greenville, South Carolina, resident Joel Vanwingerden, 55 (minor); Greenville, South Carolina, resident Rebecca Lynn Vanwingerden (minor); Ormond Beach resident Jillian Whitsitt Miller, 32 (minor); Roy Roger White, 38, of Jacksonville (minor); Kimberly Patricia Martinson, 47, of Boynton Beach (minor).
BOX: To help
Kristine Carlson, aunt of Jonothan Ruiz, set up a fundraising effort online to help pay for the funeral arrangements of Jonothan and his father, Kristin Ruiz.
On the page, Carlson wrote: “Our family has been left devastated by the horrible accidents that took place the evening of Saturday May 31 on Interstate I-95. We lost two beloved members of our family, Kristin Ruiz, 25, and his 14 month old, Jonothan Ruiz. Jonothan’s mother, amongst others, is going through a extremely difficult time as you can imagine and any amount we can raise to help alleviate the burden that is being put on to her right now would be greatly appreciated. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
To contribute, visit gofundme.com/9s1rnk.
One person who contributed left this message:
“My heart breaks for you and your family. I was right there in my car when this happened and had just changed lanes from where the accident happened and will never forget the sight. I cannot imagine and know that God is hugging you and Heaven has gained two beautiful angels. Sending prayers of peace and love.”
Another person left this message:
“My Life is not the same any more, something deep inside has been awakened and I will cherish the moments we had and celebrate your love for your son, you are together now and I know I will see you again, much love, a big hug and kiss to your and your baby. Miss you however, you are in a better place, forever love you. Amen. God knows all things and He will reveal Himself in this, thanks for your love and thanks for our times together, don't throw any trucks on the highway in heaven, lol. Amen."
