High school sweethearts and their 2 young sons killed in head-on crash: ‘Like a nightmare’

MESA, Ariz. (AZFamily/Gray News) - A pair of newly married high school sweethearts and their two young sons were driving back to Arizona from a holiday weekend but never made it home.

Giovanni Huerta, 26, and his wife, 26-year-old Kiah Begaye, were driving back home Monday afternoon from visiting family in New Mexico with their two sons, 4-year-old Dakota and 2-year-old Malakai.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety says the family was traveling along State Route 260 near Heber-Overgaard when all four of them were killed in a head-on crash with a pickup truck.

“It doesn’t seem fair at all because they were so young. They had a whole life ahead of them. They had plans, goals and adventures they wanted to go on,” said Chrissy Kaibetoney, Begaye’s mother.

Giovanni Huerta and Begaye were high school sweethearts who got married in April, their parents say. The couple lived in Laveen, Arizona, where the former worked as a mechanic and the latter was starting a Native American clothing business. Both are described by family as great parents who loved spending time with their kids and extended family.

Giovanni Huerta’s father, Joel Huerta, says the tragedy still doesn’t feel real.

“It’s like a dream, and I’m still waiting to wake up. I wake up, and I’m still in the dream — more like a nightmare,” he said. “They were my world. My son, my only son. Two generations just gone like that.”

‘No words to describe it’

Authorities have identified the driver of the pickup truck as 21-year-old Jesse David Lovato. He was booked into jail on four counts of manslaughter and two counts of aggravated assault.

One of the victims’ family members said a DPS trooper told them Lovato may have fallen asleep behind the wheel. It is not known whether impairment was a factor in the crash.

As they grieve, the victims’ family says no one should have to go through the pain they are experiencing.

“Losing your loved ones in an instant like that has no words to describe it,” Kaibetoney said.

She wants to send a message to drivers.

“Encourage people to take their time driving. There’s no need to rush anywhere, especially on a holiday weekend. It’s not worth it,” she said.

The victims’ family says the outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming, including from strangers who have offered to help with funeral expenses through GoFundMe.