Sean Garinger, “16 and Pregnant” alum, dies at 20 in tragic ATV accident

Garinger, who appeared on season 6 of the MTV series, shared two kids with his ex, Selena Gutierrez.

Sean Garinger, who is best known for appearing on 16 and Pregnant alongside his then-girlfriend Selena Gutierrez, died on Feb. 28 at age 20.

The reality star, who shared two children with his ex Gutierrez, was driving an ATV near his home in Boone, North Carolina, when a horrific accident occurred. His mother, Mary Hobbs, relayed the incident to The U.S. Sun.

"I was with him when it happened. He was just moving from one parking spot to the next for me, so I could back into park," she recounted. "He pulled [in] front of me to park the ATV and the ground gave way from all the rain and mud."

Garinger's mother said that the vehicle then flipped, landed atop him, and “crushed” his skull. She left the scene in hopes of finding a neighbor to “help me get the ATV off of him,” but received no answer.

“I ran back to him. By that time, I realized he wasn't alive anymore,” she told the outlet. Hobbs, who remained beside him until the ambulance arrived, added, "There was a huge part of my heart that died with my son on Wednesday. He was my only son, my rock, my strength when I had none left."

Garinger’s death was announced on March 1 in the Watauga Democrat, with his identity confirmed by Watauga County Sheriff’s Office Major Kelly Redmon. "Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the loss experienced by the family and loved ones of the victim," the Watauga County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

Garinger appeared alongside Gutierrez on season 6 of 16 and Pregnant, as they anticipated the birth of their first child, a girl who would be named Dareli. She was born in October 2020, and the duo later later welcomed their second daughter Esmi in June 2022.

During their tenure on the show, Gutierrez accused Garinger of cheating on her during the pregnancy, which led to their eventual split. The on-and-off couple had a long distance relationship, with Gutierrez living in Colorado.

Garinger is survived by his daughters Dareli and Esmi, as well as his mother and sisters.

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