Dear Friends, Community Members, and Supporters,

I’m writing today with a heart heavy with grief, loss, and the unshakeable hope that we can prevent another tragedy like this from happening. My younger brother, Christian Nathan Garcia Cruz, who was only 20 years old, tragically lost his life in an accident that could have easily been prevented. Christian had special needs, yet he was striving to live a normal life, just like anyone else.

He passed away just days after his birthday in Irvine, California, after his unprecedented incident, which could have been avoided, occurred when he was swept away into the riverbed. He drowned, and his body was found 3.5 miles from where the accident occurred. On that night, it was raining heavily, and the drainage canal’s height is over 50 feet high and had filled with 5-10 feet of water, rushing at 45 miles per hour.

The steep edges and lack of any safety barriers or fencing left my brother vulnerable to this deadly hazard. If a barrier had been in place, I am confident he would still be here with us today. His death was a tragedy, but it was not inevitable—it was preventable!

My brother had his entire life ahead of him—dreams, a future, friendships, and family who loved him deeply. Now, he’s gone, not because of fate, but because there was nothing to stop him from fallinginto that dangerous riverbed. It is incredibly painful to know that something so simple as a safety fence or barrier could have saved him. 

It’s been two years since this tragedy, and STILL, no safety measures have been implemented along this path. People continue to walk, jog, and bike near these perilous edges without any protection from the high drop into the riverbed below. My family, friends, supporters, and I walked the same path my brother was swept through, following his route until we reached the spot where his body was discovered. The edges were steep and the area was poorly designed. They state that putting up simple fencing is aesthetically UNPLEASANT. 

Some may argue how it never rains in California, how this may be its first case. Recently, while visiting California, I witnessed heavy rain, just as there had been on the day of Christian’s accident. It’s clear that the risk of such a tragedy is still very real. Yet no action has been taken. The fact that a barrier has not been put in place after all this time is unjust, and frankly, it’s unfair. These are risks we should not tolerate.

I am demanding that immediate action be taken to install a safety barrier, fence, or other protective measures around the riverbed—particularly along the sidewalks and pathways used daily by pedestrians and cyclists. This isn’t just about my brother; this is about the safety of every person who uses these paths.

Are they waiting for someone else to die? Was Nathan’s death not enough to prompt action? The fact that, after all this time, no safety measures have been implemented is deeply troubling. These public areas are open to everyone. People who rely on these paths for exercise, recreation, and transportation should not have to worry about falling into a dangerous riverbed. What if this happened to your loved one? My mind won’t be at ease until they put up fencing.

Let’s honor Christian’s memory and protect others from the same pain and loss that we have suffered.

Please join me in signing this petition to demand the installation of a safety barrier around the riverbed in Irvine, California. This is not just a request—it’s a call for justice, safety, and a lasting tribute to my little brother. Let’s ensure that no other family has to experience this. Together, we can make a difference.

With all my heart,
Genevieve Cruz

Please sign and share this petition. Please spread awareness. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day.

For the upcoming pages, there's no need to donate—just sharing and signing the petition would be greatly appreciated.