Jose Ortiz and his wife were driving home in Kent from a church event when another vehicle collided with their vehicle at the intersection of 94th Avenue South and South 240th Street.

Ortiz, 55, of Kent, the driver, was killed in the 9:44 p.m. March 28 crash, according to a King County Medical Examiner’s Office April 2 report. He died of multiple blunt force injuries.

His wife, 41, suffered serious injuries and is fighting to recover at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, according to a GoFundMe account set up by Brenda Ortiz, of Kent, a niece of Jose Ortiz. Brenda Ortiz said in the posting that her uncle and his wife were on their way home from a church event.

Kent Police arrested a Kent woman in her 30s for investigation of vehicular homicide, according to a March 29 police statement. The woman reportedly displayed signs of being intoxicated, according to police.

“Our family is devastated by this unexpected loss,” Brenda Ortiz said on GoFundMe. “Jose was a loving husband, a caring friend, and a pillar of faith in our community. His kindness and unwavering faith touched many lives, and we are struggling to comprehend a world without him.”

Jose Ortiz was a member of Holy Spirit Church in Kent, Brenda Ortiz said.

“As we navigate this unimaginable grief, we are also facing significant financial burdens—funeral expenses, medical costs, and legal fees to ensure justice is served,” Brenda Ortiz said.

Brenda Ortiz is raising funds to go toward:

• Funeral and memorial expenses to give Jose the farewell he deserves.

• Medical costs for his wife’s ongoing care and recovery.

• Legal fees as to seek justice for Jose.

“We humbly ask for your support in honoring Jose’s life and helping our family through this difficult time,” Brenda Ortiz said.