Mother and Son Found Deceased in Vehicle Along U.S. 59 in Livingston
Livingston, Texas — The small East Texas community of Livingston is struggling to comprehend a devastating tragedy after 31-year-old Adelia Garcia and her young son were discovered lifeless inside a parked vehicle late Saturday night. The discovery was made along U.S. Highway 59, near the local John Deere dealership, a familiar landmark just south of the city limits.
According to the Livingston Police Department, officers were dispatched around 10:45 p.m. after a passerby noticed a dark-colored SUV parked on the shoulder for several hours with its lights still on. When authorities arrived, they found the vehicle locked and unresponsive. After forcing entry, they discovered Garcia in the driver’s seat and her small son in the back, both showing no signs of life.
Emergency responders immediately began life-saving measures, but their efforts proved unsuccessful. Paramedics pronounced both mother and child deceased at the scene.
While the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety are jointly investigating, officials say early evidence indicates no sign of external foul play. Preliminary observations suggest that the tragedy may have resulted from carbon monoxide exposure or another accidental cause, though investigators are awaiting autopsy and toxicology reports from the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office before making any determinations.
Family members told reporters that Adelia Garcia had recently moved back to the Livingston area after spending several years working in Houston. She was known for her strong devotion to her son, described by relatives as “the center of her world.” Friends said she had spent Saturday running errands and planned to visit family on Sunday morning, but never arrived.
“She was such a loving person,” said Maria Torres, Garcia’s cousin. “She worked hard and lived for her little boy. Nobody can believe this happened — it doesn’t feel real.”
Investigators believe Garcia may have pulled over after experiencing mechanical trouble or simply stopped to rest. Her vehicle, a gray 2017 Chevrolet Equinox, was towed from the scene for examination. Police are checking whether the engine or air-conditioning system was running at the time, which could help determine whether exhaust fumes contributed to the tragedy.
The identities of the victims were withheld for several hours while authorities notified next of kin. By early Sunday afternoon, the Livingston Police Department confirmed the names publicly and expressed condolences to the family. “This is a heartbreaking case for our community,” said Chief Matt Parrish. “We ask that everyone keep this family in their thoughts as we work to understand exactly what happened.”
Community members have responded with overwhelming sympathy. A small memorial of flowers, teddy bears, and candles has already begun forming near the spot where the vehicle was discovered. Local churches have also announced plans to support the family with meals and counseling services.
Residents describe Garcia as a kind, hardworking mother who brightened every room she entered. “She had the biggest smile,” said one neighbor. “Always polite, always laughing with her little boy. They were inseparable.”
The investigation remains ongoing, but officials emphasize that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Once autopsy results are finalized, a clearer picture of the final moments leading up to their deaths is expected to emerge.
For now, the people of Livingston mourn together — a close-knit town united in sorrow over the sudden, unimaginable loss of Adelia Garcia and her beloved son, whose bond in life and in passing has left an indelible mark on everyone who knew them.