PORT CHESTER, N.Y. — The vibrant heart of Port Chester was shattered on Saturday, August 16, 2025, when a devastating rollover crash in nearby Rye Brook claimed the life of 16-year-old Tania Lopez, a bright and beloved young soul whose light was extinguished far too soon. The fiery accident, which unfolded on Westchester Avenue around 5:10 p.m., left a community grappling with grief, as families, friends, and neighbors came together to honor her memory and support those still fighting to recover.
The tragedy struck as Tania and her family were returning home from a joyful day at the beach, a moment of carefree summer bliss that turned into an unthinkable nightmare. According to the Port Chester Fire Department, first responders arrived to a harrowing scene: a vehicle overturned and engulfed in flames, its wreckage a stark contrast to the warmth of the day. Firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze, stabilize the scene, and assist EMS crews in providing urgent care. Several children and adults, including Tania’s siblings, were rushed to local hospitals, where they remain under medical care, their conditions yet to be fully disclosed.
Tania’s parents, Blanca Morales and Marvin López, shared their unimaginable loss through a GoFundMe campaign titled “In Loving Memory of Tania Lopez.” In their heartfelt words, they described the vibrant teen who filled their lives with joy, now taken from them in a moment of cruel fate. The family, originally from Guatemala, is seeking support to cover funeral expenses and the costs of repatriating Tania’s body to her birthplace, where she can rest in the land of her roots. As of Tuesday, August 19, the fundraiser had raised $3,896 toward its $6,500 goal, a testament to the outpouring of love from a community determined to stand by them in their grief.
Port Chester Mayor Luis Marino captured the collective sorrow in a poignant statement: “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and join in strength, comfort, and solidarity with our neighbors. No one is prepared for this circumstance; it’s heart-wrenching. As a parent and as mayor, my heart goes to the family.” He called on the community to rally together, urging residents to “open our hearts and not leave them alone” in this time of profound loss. His words echoed through Port Chester, a tight-knit village where Tania’s kindness and promise had touched so many lives.
Described by those who knew her as kindhearted and brimming with potential, Tania was a beacon of hope whose absence leaves a void that words cannot capture. Friends and neighbors have begun to share stories of her warmth, her laughter, and the quiet strength that made her a cherished presence. In the days ahead, vigils and gatherings are expected to light up Port Chester as the community comes together to celebrate her life and mourn her loss. Grief counselors are on hand, and the collective embrace of the village is palpable, as residents hold tight to one another in the face of such sorrow.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities working diligently to piece together the events that led to this tragedy. For now, the focus remains on healing and remembrance, as Port Chester holds Tania Lopez close in its heart, vowing to honor her memory with love, unity, and unwavering support for those she left behind.
