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Stark remnants are all that is left of the roadside memorial set up in honor of three generations who lost their lives in a road accident just west of Gonzalez Pass.
Submitted
Three crosses stand as a memorial to Superiorites, Becky Jo, Krista and Mark who lost their lives in a car accident on the west end of Gonzales Pass. Submitted
A reward is being offered by Steve Lopez for any information leading to the discovery of the individuals who are vandalizing the family memorial he has erected in Gonzalez Pass.
The roadside memorial consists of three crosses profusely decorated with flowers. This commemorative was erected between mile post 217 and 218 when heading west on US Highway 60. The crosses commemorate the May 1999 death of three generations of the Lopez family: wife, Becky Jo Lopez; daughter Krysta Lopez; and grandson Mark Gomez. All three were returning from a shopping trip in the Mesa area when their Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) was struck and driven off the road by a truck. The family had been shopping for a graduation dress for high school senior Krysta. She was getting ready to graduate in a few short weeks.
The latest vandalism incident occurred on Monday, Feb. 10, during the middle of the day. The family has these before and after pictures of the crosses on that day. Because the crosses stood outside the city limit of Superior, but inside Pinal County, Lopez has addressed the issue with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Department. Lopez reported he was told by the Sheriff’s Department that there was nothing they could do to assist with the issue. Lopez is not willing to just have everyone suffer through these incidents and is, therefore, offering a reward.
Vandalism of the memorial goes beyond affecting a single individual or even a single family. Becky Jo was a Tellez before her marriage to Steve Lopez and Mark’s mother, Stephanie Lopez, was formerly married into the Angel and Barbara Gomez family. “This memorial is our way of remembering and honoring our loved ones. To destroy it, is a heartfelt blow to each of the families involved,” stressed Lopez. The crosses have been vandalized numerous times; and recently, three times in as many months.
Lopez is hoping that there was a witness on the day of the latest destruction of the memorial. He asks that anyone with any information contact him as soon as possible. He can be reached at 520-689-5059.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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