Gilroy, California (January 2026) — A Gilroy family and school community are mourning the loss of Stacia Stuart, who died days after being critically injured in a crash that also claimed the life of her husband, Andrew Stuart, near an elementary school crosswalk. The couple was struck by a vehicle shortly after dropping off their children at school, according to police and family members.
Incident Details: The collision occurred shortly after 8:00 a.m. Friday at the intersection of Charles Lux Drive and Lopez Way, just steps from Las Animas Elementary School. Police said Andrew and Stacia Stuart were walking in a marked crosswalk when they were struck by a vehicle driven by a teenage motorist.
Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, Andrew Stuart was pronounced dead at the scene. Stacia Stuart was airlifted to a local hospital in critical condition. Days later, family members confirmed that she succumbed to her injuries.
The Gilroy Unified School District confirmed the couple were parents of two children enrolled in the district. The crash occurred during the busy morning school drop-off period, when families and children are frequently in the area.
Police said the teenage driver remained at the scene and has been cooperating with investigators. Authorities stated that drugs, alcohol, and speed are not believed to have been contributing factors. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Investigation: Gilroy police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision. In pedestrian crashes occurring within marked crosswalks, investigators typically focus on right-of-way, driver perception, and whether the pedestrian was visible and lawfully crossing at the time of impact.
Investigators will analyze traffic signal timing, crosswalk markings, signage, and scene evidence, such as vehicle damage, debris, and impact points, to understand the collision during the morning commute. Given the proximity to an elementary school, they will also assess school-zone conditions, including traffic volume, sightlines, congestion, distractions, and visibility factors such as sun glare and parked vehicles, to determine their impact on driver visibility.
Authorities are examining whether additional safety measures at the intersection could have prevented the crash. After the incident, a community petition called for improved pedestrian safety, such as flashing crosswalk signals near the school. City officials state that the details of the crash are still under investigation.
Legal Considerations: Pedestrian fatalities in marked crosswalks raise serious concerns about roadway safety, particularly when they occur near schools where children and families are expected to be present. Even when impairment and excessive speed are ruled out, collisions of this nature often prompt broader questions about intersection design, traffic controls, and whether additional safeguards could prevent future tragedies.
Pending the investigation’s findings, the children and loved ones of the Stuarts may explore wrongful death claims to address funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the profound emotional and financial consequences left behind. These cases often involve evaluating driver conduct alongside roadway conditions and whether reasonable measures were taken to protect pedestrians in known high-foot-traffic areas.
I extend my condolences to Andrew and Stacia Stuart’s children, family, and loved ones, and to the Gilroy community as it grieves this loss.
Source: MSN News