Newton High senior dies in car accident, community left in mourning

NEWTON, Kan. (KSNW) — People in Newton are reeling over the loss of a high school senior. He died in a car crash in Payne County, Oklahoma, on Thursday morning.

His family was on their way to their vacation in Texas.

Family and friends say Osiel Francisco Guzmán-Garza had a light that would pick up anyone around campus at Newton High School who was having a bad day.

His brother, Vladimir Guzmán-Garza, says there is nothing like losing his younger sibling.

Vladimir was in another car, 30 minutes ahead of his younger brother and their parents. He says when they got to the scene of the accident, he knew his younger brother had died.

“I saw no one checking him, and from there, I knew he was gone; it was probably the most gut-wrenching thing of my life,” says Vladimir Guzmán-Garza.

Their parents were rushed to the hospital, where they have undergone multiple surgeries and are in the ICU. Vladimir said his brother loved fishing and soccer, and their goal of making memories for life is now gone.

“It stopped my whole world because I had so much planned with him already,” said Vladimir Guzmán-Garza.

Osiel’s teacher, Billy Bledsoe, says Osiel’s outgoing and empathetic personality was a breath of fresh air that will be sorely missed.

“To feel like he was stolen from us, I don’t know what the plan is, but I’m sure there is a reason, but down here, we’ll miss him,” says Bledsoe.

The Royals hat, which Osiel used to pick up snacks for the entire class, now sits where he will be absent.  It’s something that has yet to sink in for his teacher.

“Every time I pull up that class list and see his name, it’s hard. I don’t know what’s going to be harder: when it’s gone or seeing it,” says Bledsoe.

Osiel’s brother wants people to remember the good times his brother provided.

“There’s so many people here that adored him for just being him. I just want him remembered for being him,” says Guzman-Garza.

Osiel’s family said they are thankful for the outpouring of love from their community in Newton.

His brother, Vladimir, remains by the side of his parents at the hospital in Oklahoma as they fight to recover.

A GoFundMe has been started for the family, you can find it here .

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