Family remembers 5 who died in car accident


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SALT LAKE CITY -- Several family members spoke publicly Tuesday for the first time about six people that died in a crash on State Road 201 near the Great Salt Lake Saturday. They shared memories and how they're coping now.

"My sister, she was outgoing, [a] very independent beautiful woman; one who I looked up to," said Rosa Martinez.

Now Rosa's sister, 35-year-old Veronica Martinez, is gone, along with her husband, Ricardo Ramirez, their daughters: Veronica, Isabel, Mercedes and her friend Megan. The sole survivor from that car is 4-year-old Ricardo, or Little Ricky as they call him.

Family remembers 5 who died in car accident

Now, little Ricky, who was released from Primary Children's Medical Center Monday, will live with his grandmother and grandfather.

On the way home, with three people in front and four in the back, they collided with another car. The Utah Highway Patrol says there were no signs either car applied their brakes. Investigators are now trying to figure out if the street lights were on at the time.

Either way, five people from one family, along with the friend, died at the scene.

Family remembers 5 who died in car accident

"I think it's really amazing how they all went together as a family, because they lived like a family together," Rosa said.

Funeral arrangements for that many people is expensive: $38,000 to be exact. It's so much that the family has to bury multiple family members together, people they love who will always be missed.

"How do I heal? With time, every day with time; looking at pictures, crying, letting it out," Rosa said.

The family has set up a trust fund for the surviving son, Ricardo Ramirez, as well as a funeral fund. If you'd like to contribute, you can do so at any Zions Bank location.

The viewing and funeral for the members of the Ramirez family who were killed will be open to the public. Both are at Redwood Memorial Mortuary & Cemetery at 6500 S. Redwood Road in West Jordan.

  • Viewing: Friday, July 24, 6p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Funeral: Saturday, July 25, 10 a .m. - 11 a.m.

Meanwhile, Jared Perry, the driver of the other car involved, is still at University Hospital in critical condition. His son who was in the car with him is fine.

E-mail: ngonzales@ksl.com

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