DICKSON, Tenn. (WTVF) — Two Dickson County families are heartbroken after a crash killed a teenager and seriously hurt her boyfriend.
People who know Irma Ortiz, 19, and C.J. Pewitt, 18, are still in shock. Ortiz did not survive the crash. Pewitt is recovering at home after being released from the hospital, but his stepmom says he is still in a lot of pain.
In a statement, Christy Blaylock, Pewitt's stepmom said: "There are no words to explain the heartache and pain our families are feeling. C.J. and Irma had an old soul kind of love that many will never experience. Irma was the most beautiful young lady inside and out. She was a true reflection of God's shining light. Our families are grieving this horrible loss together. Irma will strongly be missed by all who knew her and loved her."
Blaylock said Ortiz and Pewitt had been dating for more than a year, and just recently went on a cruise together with the Pewitt family to the Bahamas.
Ortiz graduated from Creek Wood High School last year, and Pewitt is currently a senior at the school.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol says Ortiz and Pewitt were driving on Highway 70 near Montgomery Bell State Park in Dickson County Sunday afternoon, when Randy Reynolds, 55, crossed the center line and slammed into them head on. Reynolds was charged with leaving the scene of a crash, evading arrest on foot, and driving on revoked license.
Pewitt was rushed to the hospital, but Ortiz passed away.
A GoFundMe has been started to help the Ortiz family. Some of her former classmates at Creek Wood High School are also collecting donations to help her family.
