After Losing Both Parents in a Fatal Car Crash, 19-Year-Old Noah Nunney Fights to Gain Guardianship of His Two Younger Siblings — “I Know They’re Proud of Me”
When tragedy struck the Nunney family, it changed three young lives forever. What began as a joyful road trip to drop the eldest son off at college ended in heartbreak when a devastating car crash claimed the lives of Donald and Maria Galindo Nunney. Their three children — Noah, 19, Lucia, 15, and Leo, 10 — survived the accident, but their world was shattered in an instant.
Now, one month later, Noah is stepping into a role most teenagers could never imagine. He’s seeking joint guardianship of his younger siblings alongside his maternal grandmother, determined to keep their family together. “I know that my parents would be very proud,” Noah tells People in a soft, steady voice. “I know that they’re with us every day.”
The crash happened in early September during what was supposed to be a milestone family moment — taking Noah to college. Authorities say the accident occurred on a highway near Waco, Texas, when another vehicle lost control. Donald and Maria were pronounced dead at the scene. Their children were rushed to the hospital, where Leo and Lucia were treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Since that day, Noah has devoted himself to his siblings’ recovery, balancing grief, responsibility, and the unthinkable task of growing up overnight. “It’s been hard,” he says. “There’s no guidebook for something like this. But every day I remind myself why I’m doing it — for them.”
Lucia, 15, has been recovering from a broken arm and several surgeries, while 10-year-old Leo has spent weeks in physical therapy after suffering leg fractures. Despite their pain, the siblings’ bond has only grown stronger. “We talk about Mom and Dad all the time,” Lucia says quietly. “We miss them, but we try to smile the way they always wanted us to.”
The community has rallied behind them, with friends, neighbors, and strangers donating to a verified GoFundMe campaign to help the siblings rebuild their lives. The funds are being used to support medical expenses, future schooling, and the process of legal guardianship. “People have shown us so much love,” Noah says. “It reminds us that there’s still good in the world, even after something so terrible.”
Despite his age, Noah has taken on the role of protector and caregiver naturally — cooking meals, managing appointments, and helping Lucia with homework. Their grandmother, who lives nearby, has been his partner in this journey, ensuring the children have stability and comfort. “She’s been incredible,” he says. “We’re doing this together, as a family.”
While the loss of their parents still feels raw, the siblings say they find strength in the lessons their parents left behind — kindness, resilience, and love. “My dad always told me to take care of my brother and sister,” Noah recalls. “I didn’t think it would happen like this, but I know this is what he wanted.”
As they move forward, Noah is focused on giving his siblings a sense of normalcy. “I want them to finish school, to chase their dreams,” he says. “I want them to feel safe.” And though the road ahead will be long, he refuses to let grief define their story. “We lost everything that day,” Noah says, “but we still have each other. That’s what Mom and Dad would want us to hold on to.”
