GILBERT, AZ — A tragic accident at a bustling intersection in Gilbert last night has left two families mourning. The incident involved a rideshare vehicle, and the families of both the driver and the passenger are grappling with their loss.
The family of the passenger, who was not ready to speak publicly, is devastated. Meanwhile, the parents of the Uber driver, identified as Nicole, are urging others to consider the consequences of driving under the influence. They stressed that the cost of a rideshare is insignificant compared to the value of human life.
Nicole, who was 36, had achieved more in her short life than many do in a lifetime. She loved music, especially country, and enjoyed dancing. Her vibrant life was tragically cut short.
Nicole’s parents, Lucinda and Robert Ortiz, are struggling to come to terms with their loss. They expressed their heartbreak, saying they will never see or speak to their daughter again. The pain is compounded by anger and questions about why this tragedy occurred.
Authorities believe that a 35-year-old impaired driver was speeding when he ran a red light, causing the collision. The impact spun Nicole’s car into a traffic pole, resulting in the deaths of both Nicole and her passenger, 33-year-old Marissa Jorganson, an adored mother of two young boys.
The suspect, who was seriously injured when his SUV rolled, is expected to face multiple charges once he recovers. The Ortiz family hopes for the suspect’s recovery, not out of malice, but so he can understand the consequences of his actions.
In accidents involving Uber, questions often arise about liability and insurance coverage. While Uber’s website outlines a process for filing claims, it remains unclear whether the company provides additional insurance.