2 killed in crash near Christmas

CHRISTMAS, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Some Orlando children are without a mother, after she was killed in a car crash on Tuesday.   According to investigators with the Florida Highway Patrol, Julio Costa Malagon, 54, had hazard lights on his van, when he and passenger Christina Moraga, 43, were struck from behind by another vehicle along State Road 50, near Christmas.

“In this case, two people lost their lives, and we’re still trying to piece together whether or not they broke down in the road or were just trying to wait to help,” said FHP spokesperson Sgt. Kim Montes. 

"It’s shocking.  I’m having a hard time," said Victor Soto.  Moraga  was the mother of his three kids. “Real hard, my boys took it real hard last night.”

Soto said he and Moraga have two sons who are ages 12 and 15. They also have a daughter who is seven.
While they were no longer a couple, he said they remained good friends and had planned on having breakfast as a family soon. “She was very loving, shy, quiet.  She had a great heart.  She was always willing to help people.”

Troopers said only disabled vehicles on the side of the road should be using the hazards.  Drivers also need to be careful when they see a vehicle using them. “For anybody that’s driving and sees a slower-moving vehicle or a hazardous situation, you have to use due care for that vehicle,” Montes added.  

Soto said, “Be careful when you see someone on the side of the road, slow down, pay attention, move over, shift lanes if you can and just give them room if you can, because you just never know what can happen.”

Troopers hope someone comes forward with information about the crash. “If someone saw something and was unable to stay, we’d love to hear from them,” Montes said.