A tragic accident on the interstate 10 has shattered a community and a family has been destroyed. On the evening of June 1, a confrontation, including several vehicles near Mylpost 257 in WestBound Lane, claimed 42 -year -old Stephanie Mary Kodina and her 11 -year -old son, Antonio “Dadio” Kodina, both Tuxon’s life.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the chain-reaction accident began when a vehicle involved in a pre-dense incident partially blocked the #1 lane.
Another vehicle, which stopped at the middle shoulder for assistance, was hit by a commercial truck from behind which collided with the initial vehicle before walking on the shoulder.
Stephanie and her son were passengers in that second vehicle. Although the driver got out of the car and became uninhabited, the effect killed both mother and son tragically.
Tuxon fire personnel declared him dead on the spot. Officials say investigation is on as they work to determine the exact conditions that caused a fatal accident.
The news of a sudden loss has sent waves of grief through Tuxon and beyond, as the loved ones remember Stephanie and Antonio as two souls filled with light, power and heat.
Stephanie, who is lovingly known as “Step”, was described as a “Girlst Boy Mom” - a title that she proudly as a cute mother of three sons. His family was his world, and he put every ounce of himself in nurturing and supporting himself. His closest people remember her deep faith, her infectious energy, and her husband, Tony and her devotion to her children.
“Being a mother was Stephanie’s greatest pleasure,” shared by a family member. “He and Tony built a house full of love, laughter and faith. His bond was undisputed, and his boys made him beyond measurement.”
A few weeks before the accident, Antonio is known by his closest people as “dadio” – celebrated his 11th birthday. Although the milestone came during a difficult time, it was what he hugged with his trademark courage and gratitude. Earlier this year, an aggressive form of leukemia was diagnosed, Dadio fought his illness with a brave heart and calm flexibility, ever lost his soft smile or loving feeling.
A relative said, “He had a soft voice, a laugh that could illuminate a room, and a kind beyond his years,” a relative said. “He was the child of a difficult maternal uncle’s boy who was all hearts.”
Despite the challenges of his diagnosis, Antonio was eager to return to school in August and re -add his friends and football peers. His determination, even in front of adversity, was a will for the strength and love that defined the Kodina family.
The accident has left Stephanie’s husband, Tony and her sons, Christian “Sito” and Joah, who is struggling with unimaginable grief. The family, once lively and full, is now navigating an uncertain path without the light of his beloved wife, mother and youngest son without light.