With heavy hearts and thoughts, family, friends, and fans remember 16 and Pregnant alum Sean Garinger, who died at age 20 at the end of the first quarter of 2024. Although it has been a few months, his demise sent shock waves to the show’s audiences. At 20, Garinger’s life was unarguably cut short.
The late television personality died from injuries sustained during a tragic ATV accident. His mother, who was present at the scene of the accident, has been the most traumatized by the death. In keeping his memory alive, here’s everything to know about Sean Garinger’s life and death.
Sean Garinger in 16 and Pregnant
Sean Garinger was introduced as the boyfriend and expectant father of a pregnant Selena Gutierrez and their baby. The couple featured in the second half of 16 and Pregnant season 6. Like several other couples on the show, theirs was filled with drama. From the infightings to both families feuding, Sean and Garinger had one of the toughest relationships on the show. On the show, Selena had claimed Sean was abusive before her pregnancy but never touched her while she was pregnant.
One of the highlights of their time on the show was during the road trip to Arizona. Selena had chosen to be with Sean after being forced to choose between him and her family. On the journey to Arizona, where Sean and his mother lived, Selena received a text from her sister with evidence that Sean had been cheating on her. Although Sean denied it, Selena, with proof, got upset and chose not to travel to Arizona with Sean. Despite their turbulent relationship, Sean and Garinger welcomed two children, Dareli (who was featured on 16 and Pregnant) and Esmi.
What Caused Sean Garinger Death?
Sean Garinger was killed in a freak ATV accident on February 28, 2024, after being crushed. Sean was killed in front of his home in Boone, North Carolina. His mother had requested he move the ATV to enable her to park her car. Sean’s mother, Mary Hobbs, revealed to The U.S. Sun how the tragic accident occurred, stating, “He was just moving [the ATV] from one parking spot to the next for me, so I could back into park. He pulled [in] front of me to park the ATV, and the ground gave way from all the rain and mud.”
The ATV turned over and reportedly crushed Sean’s skull. Hobbs, who immediately ran towards Sean, couldn’t get the ATV off him because of its weight. “I ran to neighbors, trying to get someone to help me get the ATV off of him. No one answered. I ran back to him. By that time, I realized he wasn’t alive anymore.” In shock and disbelief, Hobbs said she lay beside Sean’s body until an ambulance arrived.
Sean Garinger’s Tributes & Funeral
Losing a 20-year-old child is no easy feat for any mother. Sean’s mother was no doubt the worst hit about his death. In an added remark to The U.S. Sun, she stated, “There was a huge part of my heart that died with my son on Wednesday. He was my only son, my rock, my strength when I had none left.” Also, the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), who had officers present on the scene with officials from the Boone Fire Department and Watauga Medics, issued a statement that read, “Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the loss experienced by the family and loved ones of the victim.”
Selena Gutierrez, the mother of Sean’s two children, broke her silence with DailyMail, admitting, “Me and Sean weren’t on the best of best terms, but we had finally got on with our lives. We never really talked one-on-one; it was always through my sisters or his mom, and he was doing better. He was over 200 days sober. He had just come to visit the girls a week prior.” She added, “I wish we had got to have one more good conversation about everything.”
Boone’s Austin & Barnes Funeral Home was responsible for Sean Garinger’s funeral. In his obituary, his name was written as Sean “Squishy” Tai Garinger. Sean’s funeral took place at the funeral home on March 2, 2024. Sean Garinger is survived by his two daughters, mother, and six sisters. Besides Sean Garinger’s tragic loss, read about professional wrestler Kurtis “Mad Kurt” Chapman, who died at 26.
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