3 young kids orphaned when parents die in head-on wreck, AZ family says. ‘Horrifying’
Three young children are orphans after their parents died in a head-on collision in Arizona, according to family members and loved ones.
Greg Cox and Lindsey Watson, of Flagstaff, were driving with their three children on Oct. 10 when they were in a fatal wreck, according to a GoFundMe. The three children were injured but survived the incident.
“This is a tragic event that has hit our community hard and their families even harder,” the GoFundMe said.
The family’s vehicle was struck by a semi-truck that was attempting to pass another vehicle in a no-pass zone, according to a news release from Arizona Department of Public Safety.
“Miraculously my nieces and nephew in the back seat survived the crash,” Watson’s sister, Michelle Watson, wrote in an Oct. 14 Facebook post. “Please keep our family and these beautiful children in your thoughts and prayers.”
The couple’s two daughters, who are 7 and 5 years old, were flown to a children’s hospital in Phoenix where they underwent surgery and are in recovery, Michelle Watson said in her post. The youngest child, a 1-year-old boy, had minor injuries and is under the care of family members.
The collision occurred on Highway 160, near Kayenta, which is about 150 miles northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona Department of Public Safety officials told KTVK/KPHO. Friends told the news outlet that the family was on their way to the San Juan River for a vacation.
DPS officials did not immediately return McClatchy News’ request for comment on Oct. 17.
‘Their positive impact and light will continue’
Loved ones shared tributes to the couple on social media, remembering their contributions to the Flagstaff community.
Greg Cox worked as a physician’s assistant at Flagstaff Medical Center, while Lindsey Watson was a nonprofit founder and acupuncturist, according to the GoFundMe.
“Lindsey and Greg have done so much for Flagstaff, making huge positive impacts on so many of us,” the fundraiser said. “Their positive impact and light will continue on as we all together look for ways to honor them and keep their memories and work alive in the world.”
Threaded Together, the nonprofit Watson founded and served as executive director of, said she was “integral to the lives” of staff members, according to an Oct. 13 Facebook post.
“Lindsey was a fearless leader, incredible mother, passionate sewist, precise acupuncturist, committed friend, and so much more,” the post said. “The question of whether to help was never an option for Lindsey. She only ever asked how could she help.”
“Lindsey and Greg did so much for so many. It’s our turn to support them and specifically their babies in the wake of this horrible tragedy,” Erin McDonald wrote in an Oct. 13 Facebook post.
Other community members and loved ones expressed their condolences and shock on social media.
“Devastating news,” one person wrote. “You all are in our prayers especially those beautiful children.”
“What a horrifying tragedy,” another person said in a comment.
“My heart will be forever broken,” a third comment said. “May their memory be a blessing.”
Flagstaff is about 145 miles north of Phoenix.
3 young boys orphaned when parents are killed in Christmas Day wreck, TN reports say
Dad of 2 died after driving off collapsed bridge, family says. Now, Google being sued
Dad dies in Caribbean boating accident months after wife’s death, NC friends say
