GONZALES, La. — The Ascension Parish community and friends in Ohio are mourning the tragic loss of Jose Luis Martinez II and Ashley Garza, both 32 and from Cincinnati, Ohio, who died in a crash on Interstate 10 Sunday evening, Feb. 1, 2026.
According to Louisiana State Police, the crash occurred just before 8:30 p.m. near milepost 179 on westbound I-10. Martinez and Garza were passengers in a 2022 Toyota RAV4 traveling west when the vehicle struck the rear of a parked Gonzales Police Department unit that was unoccupied and displaying emergency lights.
Jose Luis Martinez II was pronounced dead at the scene. Ashley Garza, seated in the rear right of the vehicle, was transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Both were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. The driver and front passenger of the RAV4 sustained moderate injuries and were also hospitalized.
Jose and Ashley are remembered by family, friends, and their Cincinnati community for their warmth, energy, and the joy they brought to those around them. Their sudden and untimely passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew and loved them.
The crash remains under investigation by Louisiana State Police. Authorities have not confirmed whether impairment was a factor, and routine toxicology tests are pending.
