Greenville County, South Carolina — On a chilly Saturday afternoon, a small family trip turned into a nightmare that no parent should ever face. Two‑month‑old Heydi Sarai Ramos Chavez died after a car crash on Lions Club Road near Lily Street around 3 p.m. that left her family reeling and her aunt facing serious charges.
According to authorities, the sedan carrying three people veered off the right side of Lions Club Road and struck a utility pole. Emergency crews rushed Heydi to a Greenville hospital, but her injuries were too severe. At just eight weeks old, she could not be saved.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol says the driver of the car was her aunt, Ruby Pastor Montes. After the crash, Montes was arrested and charged with felony driving under the influence resulting in death, leaving the scene of a crash involving death, child endangerment and violating the terms of a beginner’s permit. Those charges reflect prosecutors’ belief that alcohol and inexperience played a role in the tragedy.
Neighbors described the scene as chaotic, with flashing lights and worried family members gathering at the crash site. Friends of the family have struggled to put into words the shock of losing such a tiny life. People who knew Heydi’s family say she was always swaddled close in someone’s arms, a bright new presence in a close‑knit household.
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Investigators are still piecing together details about what led up to the crash. They are reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses as part of the highway patrol’s ongoing investigation. Police have not released a statement about the condition of the other passengers who were in the vehicle.
In court filings, prosecutors called the charges against Montes “grave” and said they stem from decisions behind the wheel that cost a life. Driving under the influence is one of the leading causes of traffic deaths in South Carolina and across the United States, particularly among young and inexperienced drivers.
Family members have asked for privacy as they grieve. In a statement read by a relative, loved ones described Heydi as “our sweet girl, taken too soon” and thanked first responders for their efforts. They urged the community to honor her memory by keeping children safe and sober on the road.
This crash is a potent reminder of how quickly a joyful drive can turn tragic. Greenville County officials are offering support resources for anyone affected by the collision, and local groups are organizing vigils in Heydi’s memory.
Here are relevant pictures from reliable online sources showing emergency response at the scene and community tributes to Heydi:
