Support Steve Gonzales After a Heartbreaking Tragedy

My name is Amy, Steve Gonzales’ daughter-in-law. I’ve known Steve since I met my husband, Matt, nearly 25 years ago. I’m writing this on Steve’s behalf because he has always been such a wonderful father-in-law and a truly great grandfather to my boys, Oscar and Izzy. More than anything, Steve has always been there for all of us. Now that he has suffered a terrible tragedy, it's only right that we are there for him.

On the morning of Sunday, June 23, Steve and his life partner of 12 years, Amy (both pictured above with Steve's granddaughter, Alicia), woke up excited for a special day. Steve had planned an outing at an Indianapolis Indians game for our extended family. He bought a group package so up to 40 people -- his adult children, grandchildren, brothers, nephews, nieces -- could all enjoy free food and drinks together at the game.

It was basically a family reunion at the ballpark. For Steve and Amy, this was a big splurge. Steve, though retired, cleans apartments at Ball State part-time to make ends meet. Amy had recently been laid off from her job as a receptionist at a nursing home. Despite the cost, it was worth it to Steve to bring the whole family together for a day of joy and togetherness.

Tragically, Steve and Amy never made it to that baseball game. On their way out of town, their car was hit by a negligent driver who made a left turn directly in front of them on Old State Road 67. The accident left all four passengers—Steve, Amy, Steve’s son Stevie, and grandson Liam—with injuries. Thankfully, 12-year-old Liam only had a cracked rib and minor bruises, and Stevie escaped with a concussion and a broken leg.

Steve and Amy, sitting in the backseat, were not as lucky. Steve suffered a collapsed lung, eight broken ribs, and a broken sternum. Amy was critically injured, rushed to Ball Hospital, and later airlifted to Methodist Hospital. Two days later, she died from her injuries.

Steve couldn’t be by Amy’s side as she passed. He was still in the hospital himself. After six days in the hospital, he was discharged, but he has a long road to recovery ahead of him.

Steve has lost so much from this terrible accident. The most profound loss is Amy, whom he and our whole family loved dearly. Amy was like a grandmother to Steve’s grandchildren, always there for their ball games, dance recitals, and sleepovers. Her absence leaves an irreplaceable void for all of us, Steve most of all.

In addition to the emotional pain, Steve is facing serious financial hardships. His lost wages from missed work are substantial. We're working with an attorney, but it’s already clear that insurance won’t come close to covering Steve's financial and emotional losses.

This is why we’re reaching out to you. Steve is a good man who has been through an unimaginable tragedy that has forever changed our whole family. While financial support won’t fix everything, it will significantly help Steve navigate the tough road ahead. Please consider making a donation—any amount helps. Thank you so much for your support.