Relatives preparing to repatriate remains of balikbayan killed in Ilocos car crash

LAOAG CITY — The family of a balikbayan from Hawaii who died in a car crash in Bacarra town here on Wednesday is now making preparations to bring his remains home.

Tristan Lorenzo, 35, a resident of Kauai island, died with Christian Philip Agravante, 32, a mechanic who was set to wed teacher Gianina Rozelle Martinez on June 28, when the gray Toyota Hi-Ace van they were riding crashed at around 1:25 a.m. along the national highway in Cadaratan village last Wednesday.

Lorenzo’s relatives in Pagudpud town in Ilocos Norte have been coordinating with his family in Hawaii, but they have not provided details of the preparations as of posting time.

According to reports, the Toyota Hi-Ace van was carrying Lorenzo’s friends and relatives to this city from Pagudpud when the driver, Ryan Martinez, 31, lost control of the steering wheel. Martinez is the brother of Agravante’s fiancee.

The accident injured the van’s other passengers: Whilly Porillo,18; Aristotle Riveral, 21; Aerolle Khave Pascua, 22; Aervelle Clyde Pascua, 23; and Jhumer Cristobal, 24; all residents of Barangay 1 at Pagudpud. They are now recuperating at a hospital.

The remains of Lorenzo and Agravante were returned to Pagudpud for their respective wakes, pending Lorenzo’s return to the United States. /ee

READ: Balikbayan killed in Ilocos Norte car crash a day before wedding