19-Year-Old Loses Both Parents on College Trip, Now He’s Standing Strong for His Siblings

It’s the time of year when parents around the country take their kids to college. But for one family, that ended in tragedy. Leaving a 19-year-old and his three siblings without their loving mother and father.

On August 15th, Maria Galindo Nunney and Donald Nunney were driving with their two youngest children, Lucia, 15, and Leo, 9. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the car ran off the roadway, traveled down an embankment, and hit a tree.

The 19-Year-Old Loses Both of His Parents in a Crash

RELATED: Devoted Wife Commits to Being a Guardian for First Husband After a Devastating Car Crash

Maria, 50 years old, died in the crash. Donald, 55, was airlifted to a hospital but passed away once he was there. The two children had serious injuries but are expected to make a full recovery. 

The family had dropped Noah, 19, off at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill the day before. They were driving from their hotel to visit him when they crashed.

His Father Had a Heart Attack

Tragically, the crash occurred because Donald had a heart attack. “He was driving, had a heart attack, and they swerved off the road,” Noah shares.

In an interview with ABC, Donald’s sister, Meredith Nunney McCarthy, described the couple as "fantastic parents,” and Donald as “a loving, doting father.” She also shared that he loved his wife Maria more than anything in the world and was there for everyone.

The Couple Were Both Beloved Teachers

Maria’s brother, Sandro Galindo, remembers his sister’s “big laugh” and bright personality. "She loved to laugh and joke around and didn't always take life super seriously. She had four kids, so she knew there were troubles and problems, and she always took them in stride," he said.

Maria and Donald were both beloved teachers in Cleveland, Ohio. They will be missed by their family, friends, community, and their four children, Noah, Lucia, Leo, and 18-year-old Diego. He was not with them at the time of the crash.

RELATED: Selfless Mom Died Saving Her Twin Boys After Using Her Body To Shield Them In Crash

Noah is Thankful to His Parents

In an interview with WKYC Channel 3, Noah shares about his loss. “I know they won’t see this,” he says. “But thank you to my parents for raising me and teaching me enough to be here for my siblings.”

Noah, a rising sophomore, will be taking one or two semesters off to be with his siblings. He plans to finish college, as his parents wanted him to.

Initially, He Thought All Four of Them Were Gone

On the day of the accident, the young college student saw his sister and mother’s locations on his phone and realized they hadn’t moved any closer to him like he thought they would have. He had a friend take him to their location, and that’s when he found out what had happened.

Initially, he thought that all four of them were gone. “Both are talking, both are responsive,” he says of Lucia and Leo. Diego is making his way to them at the time of the interview. Noah plans to be there for him too.

Noah is Going to Do His Best to Carry on Their Legacy

“My parents were amazing people,” he shares. “Unforgettable people, and I’m going to do my best to carry on their legacy.”

Although this car crash was an unbelievable tragedy and will change Noah and his siblings' lives forever, it is also clear that the 19-year-old will be able to be there for Lucia, Leo, and Diego. And help each of them through the loss of their parents. Prayers to them as they navigate their new normal.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Pastor and Wife Were Killed in a Car Accident, But Their Kids Have a Message of Hope

“Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.” - Psalm 4:1

WATCH: 19-Year-Old Shares About Losing His Parents in a Car Accident When Dropping Him Off For College

LISTEN: Neighborhood Supports 8-Year-Old Who Lost Family in the Floods | Retiring Pilot's Family Surprises Him at Gate After Final Flight

h/t: PEOPLE

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/WKYC Channel 3

Julie Provost is a GodUpdates staff writer and editor. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, three boys, and little dog Max. She loves to read, go to the movies, and enjoy time with family and friends.