Tragic accident claims life of beloved mother after suicidal man jumps on her car

Margarita Novela Galindo, a beloved mother and grandmother, tragically lost her life when a man attempting to end his life jumped from a freeway overpass onto her car in Los Angeles. The incident occurred on August 9, as Margarita and her husband Florencio were traveling on the 210 freeway when the man fell from the Roxford overpass and crashed through her windshield.

Los Angeles Fire Department rescue crews were called to the scene after a person threatened to jump off the bridge. Despite the devastating impact, Florencio miraculously escaped serious injuries and immediately called her son, David, in a panic. “When he told me ambulances were on the way and he pulled over to the side of the road and couldn't open the doors, I knew it was serious,” David said.

Margarita did not die at the scene of the accident, but remained in critical condition in intensive care for nearly three weeks before succumbing to her injuries on August 28, ABC7 Eyewitness News reported. The family is struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss, and David reflects on the unfortunate timing of the incident: “What if she had stopped for gas? What if she had stopped for water? That probably wouldn't have happened.” Her daughter Stephanie Galindo added: “It could have been just two seconds off, two inches off, and my mother would have been fine.”

Despite the unimaginable loss, the family expressed no resentment toward the man who caused Margarita's death. Florencio expressed his sympathy, saying: “He does not know what problems may have led him to commit suicide, but he bears no resentment.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to cover the costs of Margarita's funeral and to support the grieving family. The page reads: “On August 9, my parents were driving on the highway when a man, in a desperate attempt to end his life, jumped off an overpass and rammed their vehicle. The impact was so violent that he crashed through the windshield and landed on top of my mother, who was in critical condition.

“She fought bravely for nearly three weeks, but on August 28, doctors told us she would not recover. Tragically, my mother died, leaving behind me, my brother, my sister and her seven grandchildren. My father is now alone and without the love of his life,” KTLA said.

“It is incredibly unfair that her life was taken because someone else did not want it. My mother was a loving and caring person and our family is heartbroken and struggling with this unimaginable loss. We have been by her side throughout this ordeal and are now asking for any support to help us give her the farewell she deserves.”

Margarita's family is still mourning the loss of a woman who was described as loving and caring, while also trying to process the pain of such an unforeseen and heartbreaking tragedy. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, texting “STRENGTH” to the crisis text line at 741741 or to 988lifeline.org.