Mother looks to honor Okatie 18-year-old killed in crash
When Amy Mitchell began efforts to memorialize her daughter who was killed in a September traffic collision, it quickly became a group effort.
Her post in a Bluffton-centric Facebook group attracted dozens of residents who were eager to help construct a cross for the accident site. Commenters offered financial assistance or said they could lend their skills in carpentry or painting.
With a backdrop of butterfly wings, the cross Mitchell envisioned would honor 18-year-old Maya Washington of Okatie, who died in a Sept. 20 car accident in Georgia’s McIntosh County.
Washington was one of two passengers in a car driven by Joaquin Garcia as the group returned from a car show. Garcia allegedly drove over 100 mph on I-95 as he raced another car on the road, according to reporting from WTOC 11.
Police said the car ignored a stop sign before flying off the road near exit 58, flipping several times and ejecting the driver and other passenger.
“Justice has to be served because my daughter trusted a friend, and what he chose to do on that highway cost my daughter her life,” Mitchell told WTOC.
Garcia, whose family is from Guyton, Georgia, faces charges of first-degree homicide by vehicle, racing, driving too fast for conditions, failure to maintain lane, fleeing police and speeding 122 mph in a 70 mph zone.
Kalen Washington, who allegedly drove the other car that was racing, has been charged with reckless driving, racing and speeding 117 mph in a 70 mph zone.
Maya Washington loved butterflies and had three siblings, including a twin sister, according to her mother.
“We are hoping to relieve this beautiful family from the sudden, unexpected costs so that they will be able to provide a service reflecting Maya’s smile, her infectious laugh, her forgiving heart, precious giving spirit and carry on a legacy for others honoring her,” read the description for a fundraiser organized to assist the Washingtons with funeral expenses.
