A Valley family reunited with the man who helped save a teen from a car crash last month.
Gabriel Lopez, 18, was seriously injured along with three of his friends, after they were involved in car accident near 67th Avenue and Thomas Road on Oct. 25.
The teens were heading to school at Trevor Browne High School when the crash occurred.
“I really thank him for being there for my son that day. Gabriel is fighting, but it could be worse,” said Reannon Lozano, Gabriel’s mom.
Joan Selguerio, a military service member, witnessed the crash and jumped out of his car to help. He smashed open a door and used a pocket knife to cut the teens out of their seatbelts.
“I was just glad that I could help, that was my biggest thing,” said Salguerio.
Gabriel’s family is calling him their hero for going above and beyond that day.
‘Who knows — he probably wouldn't be here if he didn’t stop and help,” said Lozano.
Gabriel’s family met with Selguerio Sunday afternoon at Abrazo West Campus hospital in Goodyear to thank him for what he did.
“It’s nice to meet someone like that,” said Jose Lozano, Gabriel’s dad.
All but Gabriel are out of the hospital, and his road to recovery is shaping up to be a long one.
But if there’s one thing Gabriel isn’t lacking it's support. His parents say not a single day goes by that someone doesn’t drop by to visit.
“A lot of family and friends. He’s got eight brothers and sisters, cheer squad, dance crew,” said Lozano. “Gabriel has a good amount of people on his side right now, so that’s the best part.”
His family is thankful for all the support and call their son a vibrant young man, an incredible dancer, and always the life of the party.
For Selguerio, meeting Gabriel's family helped bring things full circle.
“I was happy, especially after she told me that he was hanging in there. That was the highlight of my day,” said Selguerio.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist the Lozano family during this difficult time.
