KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Wyandotte County District Court judge’s parents were killed in a Christmas Day crash in Kansas City, Kansas.
Judge Delia York and her husband, KCK Police Chief Michael York, released a statement Saturday about the “tragic event” that killed Delia and Mario Madruga.
“The family deeply appreciates the community’s condolences and prayers while at the same time asks for privacy as they mourn this loss,” the statement said. “The Madrugas were loved and respected members of the Kansas City, Kansas community and will be deeply missed.”
The crash occurred just before 2p.m. at North 17th Street and Orville Avenue in KCK following a police pursuit.
Those who knew the couple are heartbroken.
"They didn’t deserve that especially on Christmas," said Jalo Garcia, who lives across the street from where the couple lived.
Garcia told 41 Action News she has known Mario since she was just 7 years old.
"I called him 'Pops,' just because I didn’t know his name," she said.
Garcia connected with Madruga through her love of basketball.
"One time I just walked up to him, and I was like, 'Can I play basketball right here?' And he just told me, 'Yeah,' just to take care of it and don’t break nothing," she said, "and then one summer all I did was spent my day over there playing basketball."
Back at the fatal crash site at 17th and Orville, just blocks away from where the Madrugas lived, neighbors still are in shock.
"I was really heartbroken. It was Christmas. It's not fair. They were innocent," said Mercede Nelson, who was visiting family when she heard the crash. "I’ll never forget it, and I’ll always feel for that family. I don’t know them, but it’s sad either way. I can’t imagine getting that call."
Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
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