Condition of Girl Injured in Crash Near Marlins Park Improves

10-year-old upgraded from critical to stable condition: Hospital official

The 10-year-old girl who survived a deadly crash near Marlins Park that killed three pedestrians and a driver has been upgraded from critical to stable condition, hospital officials said Tuesday.

Magdeline Diaz is still recovering from her injuries at Jackson Memorial Hospital, hospital spokeswoman Jennifer Piedra said.

Police say Diaz and family members Esther Terrero de Diaz, 53, Franklin Diaz, 14, and Adriana Diaz, 13, were struck by an out-of-control mini-van on Northwest 7th Street Saturday night while they were walking back to their parked car after leaving the Marlins game.

All three of the girl's relatives were killed, as was the driver of the 2006 Dodge Caravan, 67-year-old Raul Ortega Arias, police said.

A friend of the family, Edwin Abreu, was expecting to see the group on Sunday after more than 12 years apart.

"It's very tough," Abreu said. "It's devastating. I think everyone that loses one person is very affected, now multiply that by three and add a tragic accident to it."

Esther, Franklin and Magdeline Diaz were visiting from Lawrenceville, Georgia, while Adriana Diaz lives in the Dominican Republic, according to police.

The Diaz family released a statement Tuesday.

"There are no words to describe the affliction that has overtaken us. We are now focusing our energy on Magdeline Diaz," the family said. "We also express our most sincere sympathy and prayers to the family of Mr. Ortega, who has also lost a loved one."

Family members are now asking for support as they prepare to bury their three loved ones. The bodies of Adriana and Esther Diaz will be flown to the Dominican Republic, while Franklin Diaz will be buried in Georgia.

The family continued to thank the community and members of the hospital and police and fire departments. An account to help with funeral expenses, called the Abrahan Diaz & Esther Terrero Charitable Account, was opened at BB&T for anyone who would like to make a donation.

Witnesses said that it appeared the driver may have suffered some sort of medical condition when he lost control of his vehicle.

Police are still investigating the incident.

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