Vacaville Couple Die After Interstate 80 Crash, Leaving Son Orphaned

The couple was traveling eastbound on Interstate 80 in a Hyundai Tucson at about 2:35 a.m. on October 31 when the vehicle overturned and blocked traffic lanes. Three other vehicles then struck it, according to the California Highway Patrol. Gregory Tobias died at the scene; Vanessa was taken to a hospital in critical condition and died on November 6.

A Kia driver suffered major injuries and was also hospitalized. Investigators said they believed the Tobiases were wearing seatbelts. The crash remains under investigation, and authorities said alcohol and drugs were not suspected as factors, though they would be examined.

Vanessa’s mother, Heather Estebez, said her daughter was declared brain-dead after extensive testing. The family prayed for six days for her condition to improve, she said, but Vanessa did not recover. Estebez described the loss of both parents as devastating for their son.

Vanessa had chosen to be an organ donor. Her family said her heart, pancreas, kidneys and liver were matched with recipients. Her sister said Vanessa’s heart was stopped shortly after midnight as part of the donation process.

Gregory and Vanessa will be honored at a shared memorial on November 20 in Vacaville, with a life celebration afterward. The couple will be buried at Vacaville-Elmira Cemetery.