Reality television star Sean Garinger from “16 and Pregnant” died at the age of 20, Feb. 28 when his skull was crushed in a tragic ATV accident.
Garinger’s sudden death on the property of his Boone, North Carolina home has left his entire family reeling.
His mother, Mary Hobbs, said “he was just moving [the ATV] from one parking spot to the next for me, so I could back into park,” according to the U.S. Sun. “He pulled [in] front of me to park the ATV and the ground gave way from all the rain and mud.” Hobbs said the heavy ATV crushed her son’s skull right in front of her.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjECUCOKqs4
Hobbs described the horrifying moments that unfolded at their home.
“I ran to neighbors trying to get someone to help me get the ATV off of him. No one answered,” she said, according to the U.S. Sun.
“I ran back to him.”
“By that time, I realized he wasn’t alive anymore,” she reportedly said.
Hobbs shared what it was like for her to come to the excruciating realization that she had lost her child, the U.S. Sun reported. She told the outlet she “laid next to him,” until the ambulance arrived on scene.
“There was a huge part of my heart that died with my son on Wednesday,” she told the U.S. Sun.
“He was my only son, my rock, my strength when I had none left,” she told the outlet.
Garinger, who was affectionately known by his nickname “Squishy,” is being remembered by his family as a “military brat who touched lives all around the country,” according to an obituary posted by Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.
“He never knew a stranger, regardless of age, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His kind and generous nature endeared him to all who knew him,” the obituary read.
He is being remembered as a young man who “had a passion for living life to the fullest.”
“He enjoyed driving RC cars, sky diving, shark diving, dirt bikes, flying his drone, driving ATVs, surfing, and spending time in the ocean. His adventurous spirit and love for excitement were evident in all aspects of his life.”
Garinger appeared on season 6 of the MTV show, alongside his ex, Selena Gutierrez, according to People. They reportedly share two children, Dareli and Esmi. (RELATED: Lil Duval Airlifted To Hospital After Horrifying ATV Accident)
“He is survived by his beloved daughters, Dareli and Esmi, his mother Mary Hobbs, and his sisters Shania, Lydia, Isabella, Ember, Kayden, and Casslyn,” the obituary said.