Family mourns childrenTears flow for boy, girl killed in I-26 crash By Noah Haglund (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Wade Spees Jorge Garcia Millan (right) comforts his sister, Veronica Garcia Millan, whose two children died after a car crash Thursday, as her husband, Rigoberto Carbajal Colin, stands by outside the children's grandmother's Ladson home Friday. The parents had just bought funeral clothes for the children. 
The Post and Courier Juan 
The Post and Courier Ana LADSON — Veronica Garcia Millan returned from a Rivers Avenue store Friday afternoon with a miniature, white suit jacket and matching pants. The clothes were for her 18-month-old son, Juan Garcia Carbajal. A dress for her 3 1/2-year-old daughter, Ana Garcia Millan, was inside the house. Tears rolled down the 22-year-old mother's cheeks as she held onto the jacket's hanger. "He liked to dance and play and sing," Garcia said in Spanish. "She liked dolls." Both children were ejected from the back seat of the car their grandmother was driving when it crashed on Interstate 26 on Thursday afternoon. Ana died a couple hours later and Juan around 5 a.m. Friday, Charleston County Coroner Kelly Myers said. Both had been taken to Medical University Hospital. Charleston County sheriff's deputies said the wreck happened as Maria C. Millan Frausto, the children's grandmother and Garcia's mother, was headed east approaching Ashley Phosphate Road from U.S. Highway 78. The children's mother, who was a front-seat passenger, said she was on her way to work at a company in North Charleston that sells mobile phones. A tire malfunctioned, causing the 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass the family was riding in to go out of control, deputies said. The car slammed into a treeline, throwing both children through a window. Crash investigators will need more time to figure out what went wrong, sheriff's Maj. John Clark said Friday. An accident reconstruction should help answer important questions: whether a structural failure on the car caused the crash, whether the children were properly restrained in child-safety seats and whether those seats worked as they should. Deputies found one car seat at the crash site, Clark said. On Friday afternoon, the children's grandmother, who is 42, was resting at her house in the Sineath Estates Mobile Home community near U.S. 78 in Ladson, Garcia said. The bereaved mother stood outside the mobile home after buying the suit. She said Ana and Juan were her only children. About eight relatives also sat outside, looking downcast. Others were expected to arrive soon from as far Virginia and Maryland. Garcia's husband, Rigoberto Carbajal Colin, was at his wife's side. The 22-year-old roofer said he and Garcia are originally from the Mexico City area but have lived in the United States for several years. Carbajal said he is Juan's father and has raised Ana. Both children were born here. The family plans to bury them locally. The family was making arrangements on Friday. One of the children's uncles, their mother's younger brother, remembered his niece and nephew as sweet children who never wanted for anything. "They were loving kids, and caring," Jorge Garcia Millan said. "They got everything they wanted." Reach Noah Haglund at 937-5550 or nhaglund@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 37 comment(s)
Posted by Harpo on May 10, 2008 at 2:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
One child seat and two children .. leave no doubt that one
or both children was or were not restrained properly. I
still haven't heard if the adults were wearing their belts
or not. Those poor children.
The only malfunction I know of for a tire is a blowout or
slow leak and that wasn't the case here. I mean, they don't
suffer power failures or things like that .. so what caused
the crash? That stretch of road is just beginning to get
its legs as traffic accelerates after Ashley Phosphate Road
so they were probably moving along at a good clip.
Posted by trod1 on May 10, 2008 at 3:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I dunno harpo i had a brand new mxv4 separate and the entire tread came off .like it was a recap but the tire didnt blow damn near pulled me off the road.i do agree they were not secured in the car properly .
Posted by ForPnC on May 10, 2008 at 5:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Those pictures show two beautiful children.
Rest in peace, babies.
The world will miss your wonderful smiles.
Posted by raregar67 on May 10, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I can only add 1 word to ForPnC and that is Amen!
Posted by RTC on May 10, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What beautiful children.
This is so heartbreaking that no words can describe this tragedy.
Heaven has two new precious angels.
Posted by jca on May 10, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
earlier articles stated the tires were inflated and intact. sounds like they were speeding and lost comtrol and are trying to blame a tire.
my heart goes out for the children but not the family stupidity kills. stop sending money home to other family members and take care of your kids car seats are a must or the kids dont ride
Posted by raregar67 on May 10, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
jca...you are out of line friend. This family lost 2 little kids for God's sake. Your time to spit venom will come shortly. Hold your fire for now.
Posted by geekguy2008 on May 10, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sad story. With the names of these people, were they illegals?
Posted by cvs on May 10, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What a very sad story...
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families.
I will keep you all in prayer.
God has 2 new angels.
God Bless
Geekguy....does it really matter at this precise moment if they are illegals?
This family has lost their children this is not the place for that ignorant question.
I suggest you ask that at a later date.
JCA...I concur with RAREGAR67 totally seek your venom at a later date.
Come on people lets show some kind of decorum.
Would you ask these ghastly questions if it was your children....
JMO
CVS
Posted by SomeTruthPlease on May 10, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That is two angelic faces...I hope that if proper child safety restraints weren't used, that this serves as an example and can save the lives of other children whose parents may overlook that necessary aspect of transporting children. I wouldn't want to be in the shoes of either the Grandmother or the mother...I cannot imagine the heartbreak. For the record, can someone not simply ASK the mother or grandmother WHERE THE OTHER CARSEAT IS??? Not spitting venom, but I can't count the times I pulled off the side of the road because one of my boys had figured out how to get themselves out of their carseat, and I refused to go one foot further. A two hour trip would take three and a half hours, because I simply will NOT drive a child without a car seat.
Posted by UrGatorbait on May 10, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Peace be with them.
jca, get over yourself man.
Then geekdoofus..who the f*** cares if they were illegals.
Posted by taleele_e on May 10, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's sad that 2 children lost their lives,but if the parents were here for several years I am sure they knew that a child must be restrained in a car seat.Why there was on 1 car seat and 2 kids we will probably never know.The uncle said the they were given everything,well they weren't given the right to live.
Posted by vAniLlAcReAm on May 10, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i remember these kids as funny and always playing!!! i used to go eat at the resturant and i would always see them playing!! i am so sad this happen to them such cute angel now rest in peace... MAY GOD BE WITH THE FAMILY!
Posted by jca on May 10, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
you people need to get a frigging life losers. i said nothing and i mean nothing that was venom. these parents got what they deserved for not following the laws
i follow the laws my child is in a carseat. if i didnt strap him into one i would expect nothing less than to be locked up and called stupid this is blatant stupidity
i am sorry those babies were lost it was their fault their mother was a stupid moron
Posted by geekguy2008 on May 10, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lately, there has been quite a few deaths around the nation involving illegals. Yes, it DOES matter whether or not they were illegals. If they were in Mexico where they belong, this tragedy would not have happened.
Posted by raregar67 on May 10, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jca...how can u comment "I am sorry those babies were lost it was THEIR FAULT their mother was a stupid moron"? You either need alcohol treatment or a sit down w/ a shrink!
Posted by geekguy2008 on May 10, 2008 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
She probably accidently left out the 'not'.
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on May 10, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jca is right.Why when a tragedy happens are we all supposed to be so freakn politically correct?Are we supposed to pretend that this was some freak accident that wasnt preventable?Should we start saying Oh the poor mother and grandmother!If they were DUI?Or beat their kids to death?The gross negligent actions of these two morons made 2 innocent children DIE!I for one AM NOT going to put on politically correct blinders and pretend not to notice the obvious!Just because you notice or point out the facts doesnt make you heartless or venom spitting.It makes you honest vs oblivious!A tragedy it surely is-but it was able to be prevented.
Posted by smalltownrumor on May 10, 2008 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
According to census data, approximately 86% of Mexicans living in SC are illegals. This is not racist; this is fact. According to the SC Highway Patrol, the majority of these folks who drive on our roads do so without the benefit of a valid driver's license. This is not racist; this is fact. I have observed the driving habits of countless carloads of these people and I do not hesitate to admit that I steer as far from their paths as possible. I've seen them cut off other cars, "bump and run", pass on yellow lines and curves,and I even had one passenger lean out the window in heavy traffic and bang his fist on the front of my car so I would stop and let them change lanes. This is not racist; this is fact. I have seen many cars containing 6 or more Mexicans that, also, contained several very small children either standing or sitting in the adult's laps. I really don't care what the custom is in Mexico. In the US, the law states children should be confined to safety seats..period. If it is proven that these children were not, the adults in the car should be prosecuted. Also, if it is proven these folks are here illegally, they should be sent home. Like most of the people who have read this tragic story, I will pray for these innocent babies but, if the adults were at fault, I hope the sight of these dead children haunts them till the end of time.
Posted by luvmydogs59 on May 10, 2008 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You know, what really matters right now is that 2 beautiful babies were taken away. The facts will come after an investigation. Stupidity or accident, illegal or not, it doesn't change what happened to these precious angels. While I may share my opinions of illegals with most on here, the fact remains that these babies are gone. For the moment, at least, we should try to put our opinions aside and pray for those children. RIP
Posted by jca on May 10, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
the accident wasnt the babies faults it wasd their stupid moronic adults
so i left out a word get over it you stuck up jerk off. i have no sympathy for these parents they caused this loss by not obeying the law, most likely they cant speak english as on the news someone else spoke for them who barely spoke english
the babies are gone because of parental negligence like it or not
mexican crime is on the rise
charleston farms tragedy was a mexican man so was the dobson street murder
remount road is full of them
Posted by hkjbug on May 10, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Please don't judge someone that you don't know. We are all human beings with a heart and feelings no matter what nationality we are. We don't know that what was reported were all the facts. The one fact that we do know is that 2 beautiful kids are not with us anymore and there is a mother that will not have her kids with her on Mother's Day tomorrow. Please have respect for the family in this time of mourning and give them the peace that you would want is this situation. If you read the article closely and pay attention you would have read that the mother was going to work when this happened. How can you judge someone that was trying to make an honest living. Leave your negative comments to yourself and think of how you would feel. Rest in peace little ones and I will sure will miss your laughing and smiling faces every afternoon!
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on May 10, 2008 at 9:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Who cares that the mother had a job?WTF?Should she get an award?Maybe mother of the year?SO WHAT?Dont we all go to work to support our families?Is it too much to ask her to freakn buckle them up?Is that raising the bar too high?I will NEVER "respect" a mother or grandmother who didnt properly restrain children intentionally.I could care less what race they are.
Posted by hkjbug on May 10, 2008 at 9:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You need medication. How do you KNOW that they were not restrained in a car seat? Where you there? Didn't think you were, so sit down and keep your nasty comments to yourself and get a life.
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on May 10, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OK I have not insulted you,theres no need to insult me personally because you don't agree.To say I need meds?What should I start talking the stupid pill youre taking?I'm going by the reported FACTS.They flew out of the fn window idiot!Thats what ejected means.DUH!There was only one carseat in the CAR.Were TWO KIDS IN ONE CARSEAT?PROPERLY RESTRAINED CHILDREN DO NOT GET EJECTED-THAT IS A FACT.
Posted by umakebrains on May 10, 2008 at 10:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You not only need meds, you need Jesus!Do you realize what this woman must be going through right now? Not only the mother but the grandmother also. Can you actually say you have never made a mistake and wish you could change the outcome? Stay off of the pc and go hug your mama, or do you not celebrate Mother's Day.
Posted by geekguy2008 on May 10, 2008 at 11:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There doesn't NEED to be an 'investigation'. Those two adults in that vehicle know DAMN good and well whether or not those beautiful children were properly buckled up. They weren't, or they would not have been ejected from the vehicle.
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on May 10, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can honestly say that I HAVE NEVER(and certainly not intentionally,like these idiots)put my childrens lives in danger.I love my kids enough to do whats right.I love them enough to make proper decisions.This isnt complicated or up for debate.BUCKLE YOUR KIDS UP!I don't for a minute believe this was some simple "mistake",a temporary lapse of judgement-I believe it was a habit.
Posted by hkjbug on May 10, 2008 at 11:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, the way the law works, if the children were not buckled up, the mother and grandmother would not be at home grieving, they would be in jail, or did I miss something.
Posted by Mayor on May 11, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't think JCA goes to Mexican restaurants.
Anyone over the age of 34 never sat in a car seat when they were kids. My mom used to slam her brakes on to see if I could stop myself from hitting the dashboard.
God Bless the kids. God Bless the family.
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on May 11, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hkjbug you don't know the law.You are not immediately found guilty,this is America not Mexico.My best friend just e mailed me a story out of NewportNews,VA where a woman was driving too fast and kids in her car werent buckled properly.Her daughter and nephew were killed.The accident was in 2007,she was just sentenced to 3 1/2yrs in prison.So don't put all your eggs in that basket.Like b/c they werent arrested on scene,they wont be.LOL
Posted by wonderdog on May 11, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Have I ever made a mistake? Of course, but not one that could lead to the deaths of my children. I'm sure the family is going through a lot right now, but if not for the bad decision of the two adults in the car, these two children would probably be alive today. It has nothing to do with their being Hispanic. We have child restraint laws to protect children from the bad judgment of adults.
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on May 11, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here's a copy of the article that I mentioned in VA.People are not arrested on the roadside.An investigation has to be done.Generally there is a gap in time when/if action is taken.This also gives parents/whoever a time to grieve and bury their children,as well as loose ends to be tied up with law enforcement.Excellent points wonderdog.
http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-now-se...
Posted by geekguy2008 on May 11, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I knew a cop once in the upstate who used to carry around with him auto fatality photos of kids who died because the driver didn't buckle them up. Every time he stopped a car with that type of violation, he would make the driver look at those death pictures! He said the female drivers would always break down and cry.
Hard lesson, yes, but being shown stuff like that makes you less likely to forget to protect your kids.
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on May 11, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What an excellent officer.Public eduction is half of the battle.I knew a mortician who brought his older kids "to work" around prom season to see DUIs.Sometimes harsh realities work.
Posted by geekguy2008 on May 11, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Most don't want to face reality.
Take for instance the people who DO NOT want to see the calories placed on menus. They WANT to continue to live in a fantasy world where their little "magic pill" will make everything right.
Posted by katrenavantassle on May 15, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree these children were precious! I personally have checked the statistics on the actual safety of different car seat manufactorers. On the consumer reports website, some childrens car seats were injected from the vehicles in sudden stop crashes at 30 mph!! They are only tested at 30 mph so if someone is driving at 50+ on the interstate and had a mechanical malfunction or whatever, the children are AUTOMATICALLY in jeopardy. We need to demand for better safety and test that concur with the average speed that people really drive!!! There isn't any carseat that is really safe once injected from a vehicle!