A Kent family is grieving the loss of a pregnant woman who died after being struck by a car the day after Christmas.
“Life is too short, you never know what’s coming,” said Romeo Macias Vasquez, whose sister, Jessica, was killed in the crash.
Romeo still can’t believe his sister is gone. The 37-year-old was eight months pregnant when she was struck by a car while crossing 108th Avenue Southeast on December 26.
Jessica was with her 19-year-old son at the time, who witnessed the entire crash. Jessica was taken to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition.
Neither Jessica nor her unborn baby boy survived.
“Cute baby boy. We named him Angel. And it hurts. It’s something that you don’t expect at all,” Romeo told KIRO 7.
The family had just celebrated Christmas together, never imagining it would be their last holiday with Jessica.
This heartbreak comes just four years after the family lost another loved one in a similar tragedy. Romeo’s brother was also killed after being hit by a car.
“She lost two children already, my brother and my sister, and it does hurt a lot,” Romeo said. “And I just don’t want to show her that it’s breaking me on the inside.”
Romeo said he’s trying to stay strong for his mother, who has now lost two of her children to pedestrian crashes.
In the wake of this tragedy, Romeo is hoping the city will do more to protect pedestrians.
“Crosswalk or another light, maybe lower the speed limit. Might not help a lot but could definitely save another person’s life,” he said.
Police said the driver involved in the crash stayed at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
Through all the pain, the family is focusing on celebrating who Jessica was.
“She’s really a kind person. She’s really joyful. She lights up the room every time she’s here,” Romeo said. “There’s not a day that goes by that she wouldn’t make you laugh.”
Jessica was already a mother of two before her death.
“I just wish it would have been different,” Romeo said.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help with funeral expenses.