Home » Santa Clarita News » Community News » One-Year Anniversary Of Mother Of Six Katie Evans Death In DUI Crash

One-Year Anniversary Of Mother Of Six Katie Evans Death In DUI Crash

Katie Evans, a 37-year-old mother of six, was killed by a drunk driver on her way back from the hospital a year ago today, leaving behind a loving family.


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On Oct. 6, 2017, Evans was on her way back from visiting her premature twin girls in the hospital when she was killed by a drunk driver just a mile from her home in Santa Clarita, leaving her grieving husband, Jacob, to care for all six of their young children.

“When Katie first died on October 6, and I was looking into a very uncertain future, I didn’t see any way that we would be able to stay here in Santa Clarita,” said Evans. “We don’t have any family here and I just didn’t see how I could survive.”

However, today Evans remains in Santa Clarita, raising his six children with the help of his eldest niece.

“She took a semester off of school so she could come and help,” said Evans. “She’s the only reason why I’m probably still alive.”

Recently, Katie’s premature twins, Sarah and Hannah, celebrated their first birthday. Their original due date was not scheduled until late November.

My miracle babies are one year old today! Thanks to everyone in the community for your help in getting through this…

Posted by Care and Assist Katie Evans' Family on Monday, August 13, 2018

The two had a mono mono pregnancy, meaning that both children shared only one placenta and one amniotic sack, causing the umbilical cords to eventually become too tangled to function.

“In early August of last year Katie noticed the babies were not moving so she went to Henry Mayo Hospital for monitoring,” said Evans. “Henry Mayo was kind and professional, and the babies started moving again so they were able to send her home, but only a few days later she noticed the babies not moving again. We went to the hospital again.”

Sarah did come home on Friday. Before she left the hospital she and Hannah got to say goodbye.

Posted by Care and Assist Katie Evans' Family on Monday, December 4, 2017

The couple were referred to a doctor who admitted them to UCLA, in order for the babies to have the best chance possible of survival, according to Evans.

“That doctor was very kind and concerned,” Evans said. “She wanted us to understand the realities of the situation we found ourselves in and respected us enough to tell us the hard truth that the chances of these babies living were ‘extremely remote.’”

The girls are growing well and occasionally sleep at the same time. Sarah is off oxygen during the day.

Posted by Care and Assist Katie Evans' Family on Saturday, February 3, 2018

The doctor offered to do an abortion for the couple.

“At that moment Katie and I simply looked at one another, knew we were on the same page and replied that we wanted to give these girls every chance of life we possibly could,” Evans said.

Less than a week afterwards, Katie was in the operating room where both Sarah and Hannah were born by emergency C-section on the morning of Aug. 13, 2017.

The twins have since grown from 1lb 3oz (Sarah) and 1 lb 7oz (Hannah) at birth to both now weighing over 14 pounds, according to Evans.

Related: Alexia Cina Ordered To Serve 10 Years After DUI Crash That Killed Mother Of Six Katie Evans

In July of 2018, the woman who struck and killed Katie was sentenced to 10 years in state prison after pleading no contest to the charges against her.

A no contest plea is treated as a guilty plea in the legal system, without the defendant admitting fault.

The 10 year sentence was part of a plea deal with prosecutors, who agreed to drop all other charges against Cina at sentencing: one felony count each of murder, driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury and driving with a .08 percent blood alcohol content causing injury.

Toxicology reports indicate Cina had a blood alcohol content almost three times the legal limit  at the time of the crash.

“The judge was extremely professional, but cried openly during the victim impact statements,” said Jacob Evans. “Alexia and her family were very apologetic for everything and expressed their sincere regret in the kindest possible manner.”

Jacob partnered with KHTS in December to create drunk driving PSA videos and continues to spread awareness about the dangers and damage that can be caused by driving while under the influence.

“I ask that you please take a moment to honor Katie’s memory today by reminding those around not to drink and drive,” concluded Evans. “I don’t want anyone else to have to go through what my family has had to go through this past year.

Report a typo or error, email Corrections@hometownstation.com

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One-Year Anniversary Of Mother Of Six Katie Evans Death In DUI Crash

9 comments

  1. Over the last year I have thought of this family and this senseless death so many times. Such a pointless tragedy. Continued prayers

  2. I believe the kids are also being raised by his new wife as he got remarried a few months ago…., not sure why she was left out of this article

      • Because, with all due respect, people are too Judgy and will judge Jacob on his decision/new life and the MAIN focus of this article is on MRS. KATIE SNYDER EVANS. If there is a new wife (I won’t share the truth), people are too harsh and quick to judge the widow vs focusing on what’s most important. Kudos to the author for focusing on what’s most important.. There’s a time and a place to discuss whether he has a new wife or not—this information is not necessary info to compose THIS article. Throughout the past year, Jacob has received a ton of help from family and friends (near and far) and strangers—not everyone who helped was mentioned.

        • Of course Mr Evan’s personal life has no bearing on this tragedy. However when the author mentions the community outreach, and states “he is raising his six children with the help of his niece”, maybe he could’ve added “and the kids’ new stepmom.” Nothing wrong with it, it is not something to be ashamed of! It was posted on social media and the family’s website in July therefore it is not a secret. No judging. Wishing all of them the best

      • Yes, they married in July. I don’t know why article leaves her out while states about niece being there. If it is no big deal, as it is his personal life , it should have been mentioned at least… it does not take away from what happened or how the family deals with the tragedy.

  3. a great remembrance of a sad tragedy but so glad so many of us can still cuddle the babies and thanks to Theresa and Chris for making it happen. YOU 2 are the best!!!

  4. His new wife is a wonderful person, she is a blessing to this family.

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About Michael Brown

Michael Brown has lived in Santa Clarita his whole life. Graduating from Saugus High School in 2016, he continued to stay local by attending The Master’s University, where he achieved a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Michael joined KHTS in January of 2018 as a news intern, and has since gone on to become the News Director for the KHTS Newsroom. Since joining KHTS, Michael has covered many breaking news stories (both on scene and on air), interviewed dozens of prominent state and federal political figures, and interacted with hundreds of residents from Santa Clarita. When he is not working, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, as well as reading any comic book he can get his hands on.