Mom’s heart will ‘continue beating in someone else’s chest’ after tragic crash that killed her husband
Gregory and Vanessa Tobias leave behind a son named Austin
NEED TO KNOW
- Gregory Tobias was pronounced dead at the scene of a multi-vehicle crash in California, which left his wife critically injured
- Six days later, Vanessa’s family shared that she would be going into surgery so that her heart, pancreas, kidneys and liver could be donated to others in need
- “I cannot understand why we have lost them both or why precious Austin must grow up without his mommy and daddy,” her mom wrote, “but we are holding tightly to our faith”
Days after her husband was declared dead at the scene of a multi-vehicle highway crash, family members are remembering a 29-year-old mom for her final act of generosity.
Authorities responded to a major multi-vehicle crash on I-80 eastbound, just west of Lagoon Valley Road, in the early morning hours of Oct. 31, according to the California Highway Patrol,
Based on preliminary investigations, officials said a blue Hyundai Tucson, driven by a 29-year-old man later identified as Greg Tobias, was traveling on I-80 when the vehicle overturned, blocking eastbound lanes of traffic, and was then struck by three other vehicles.
Greg was pronounced dead at the scene, while his wife Vanessa, 29, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Authorities said they believed both Greg and Vanessa were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash and while no arrests were made at the scene an investigation remained ongoing.
Six days later, in an update on a family GoFundMe, Vanessa’s mother shared that after days of praying that her daughter’s “heart would keep beating,” family members got their wish, “just not in the way we imagined.”
Heather Estebez wrote that her daughter was an organ donor and that doctors had found recipients for her heart, pancreas, kidneys and liver.
“Somewhere, families have been praying for a miracle, begging God for more time with someone they love. And because of my daughter, those prayers are being answered,” she added. “My Vanessa had a heart of gold, and now that beautiful heart will continue beating in someone else’s chest.”
Both Gregory and Vanessa were remembered as devoted spouses and parents of their young son Austin.
“Greg was a loving and caring husband, father, son, brother, and friend,” family members wrote in a tribute shared on the fundraising page. “It is difficult to find the words to express the pain of losing him so suddenly and tragically.”
“I cannot understand why we have lost them both or why precious Austin must grow up without his mommy and daddy,” Estebez added in an update. “But we are holding tightly to our faith.”
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In the heartbreaking update, shared on Sunday, Nov. 8, Estebez wrote that before her daughter was taken into surgery the following day, an honor walk would recognize Vanessa “as the hero she truly was.”
“And when her work here is finished, I believe she will be welcomed into the arms of Jesus and reunited with her beloved Greg,” she added. “I love you forever, my beautiful Vanessa. Mommy is so proud of you.”
Over $117,000 has been raised for the family as of Thursday, Nov. 12.
