On the morning of February 3, 2025, the community of Troy, New York, was shattered by a tragedy that would change the lives of a family forever. A stolen Ford F-250, driven by 29-year-old Damarya Zyberi, was involved in a devastating crash that claimed the lives of Troy Garlock and his 8-year-old daughter, Elsie, while leaving his 6-year-old daughter, Mabel, with life-altering injuries. The crash not only ripped apart the Garlock family but also left a deep mark on the community that had known and loved them.
Troy Garlock, a devoted husband and father of nine, and his daughter Elsie, a talented and promising young dancer, were taken from this world far too soon. Mabel, the youngest daughter, survived but was left to face the physical and emotional scars of the horrific accident. The loss of these beloved family members has left a hole in the hearts of all who knew them, and their story is one of love, loss, and the hope for justice in the face of unimaginable grief.
The Tragic Crash: A Chain of Events
The tragic accident took place in the early hours of February 3, 2025, when Damarya Zyberi, driving a stolen Ford F-250, collided head-on with a Nissan Armada carrying Troy Garlock and his two young daughters, Elsie and Mabel. According to investigators, Zyberi’s vehicle was traveling at high speed and ran a red light, crashing directly into the Garlocks’ vehicle as they were driving through the intersection. The impact of the crash was catastrophic.
A third vehicle was also involved in the accident, although the occupants of that vehicle only sustained minor injuries. However, the real devastation came with the impact to the Garlock family. Troy, the father, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. His daughter Elsie, a bright and talented dancer, was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival. Mabel, the youngest daughter, survived the crash but suffered severe injuries, including multiple fractures, and would require extensive surgery to begin the long road to recovery.
The crash, caused by a reckless and criminal act, tore apart a family that was beloved by their community. Troy, Elsie, and Mabel had been on their way to start a normal day, but they never made it to their destination. The consequences of Zyberi’s actions would echo through their lives and the lives of those around them forever.
The Victims: Remembering Troy and Elsie Garlock
Troy Garlock was not just a father—he was a pillar of strength, love, and dedication. Known for his unwavering faith and commitment to his family, Troy lived a life of selflessness and service to others. He was a dedicated coach and mentor who inspired countless young athletes, instilling in them the values of hard work, discipline, and community. Whether on the sports field or in his daily life, Troy’s character shone through, and his love for his family and his community was evident to everyone who knew him.
Troy’s devotion to his children was one of the defining aspects of his life. He worked tirelessly to provide for his large family, always putting them first. His passing leaves behind not only a grieving wife and children but also a community that has lost a beloved father figure, coach, and friend.
Elsie Mae Garlock, Troy’s 8-year-old daughter, was a radiant light in the lives of those around her. An accomplished dancer, Elsie had already made a name for herself in local dance competitions, dazzling audiences with her talent, creativity, and infectious joy. But beyond her incredible dancing abilities, Elsie was known for her warmth and kindness. She touched the hearts of everyone she met, leaving a lasting impression on friends, teachers, and fellow dancers alike.
Her smile could light up a room, and her love for life was evident in every step she took, whether she was on stage or simply spending time with her family. Elsie’s untimely death has left a hole in the hearts of all who knew her, but her memory lives on in the lives of those she inspired with her dance, her joy, and her compassionate spirit.
Mabel Garlock: A Survivor Facing the Long Road to Recovery
Mabel Garlock, the youngest daughter at just 6 years old, was the sole survivor of the crash. Although she miraculously survived, Mabel sustained numerous injuries, including multiple fractures that required extensive surgery. The emotional toll of the crash, compounded by the loss of her father and sister, left Mabel with an incredibly difficult path ahead.
In the wake of this tragedy, Mabel’s recovery became a beacon of hope for the Garlock family. Despite the overwhelming grief of losing her father and sister, Mabel has shown resilience, courage, and an indomitable spirit as she begins her physical and emotional healing process. The road to recovery will be long, but Mabel’s family is committed to supporting her every step of the way.
As Mabel works through the challenges of recovery, she is surrounded by love and support from her extended family, friends, and the community. The Garlock family is determined to help Mabel heal, both physically and emotionally, and to honor the memory of her father and sister in everything they do.
Damarya Zyberi: The Driver Who Shattered a Family
The person responsible for the tragic deaths of Troy and Elsie Garlock was Damarya Zyberi, a 29-year-old woman who had stolen the Ford F-250 and was driving recklessly at the time of the crash. Zyberi’s blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of the accident was 0.094, above the legal limit of 0.08 in Florida. This reckless act, compounded by her decision to flee the scene, has left the Garlock family devastated and searching for justice.
Zyberi has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the Garlock family is determined to see that justice is served for the loss of Troy and Elsie. While no amount of punishment can ever bring back their loved ones, the family hopes that the conviction of Zyberi will bring them a sense of closure and allow them to focus on healing.
The impact of Zyberi’s actions is felt not only by the immediate family but also by the community that Troy and Elsie were a part of. The grief and shock that followed the accident have been compounded by the knowledge that this tragedy was entirely preventable.
The Garlock Family’s Call for Justice and Healing
In the aftermath of the crash, the Garlock family has found strength in each other as they navigate their grief and fight for justice. Troy and Elsie’s memory continues to live on in the hearts of their family and the community they left behind. The family’s focus now is on healing, both physically for Mabel and emotionally for everyone who has been affected by this devastating loss.
They have also become advocates for stronger laws regarding drunk driving and reckless driving, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing the heartbreak they have endured. Through their pain, they have found a sense of purpose in ensuring that no one else has to suffer such a senseless loss.
A Community in Mourning
The tragedy of the Garlock family has left a deep scar on their community. Troy and Elsie were loved by many, and their absence has left a void that can never be filled. As the community comes together to support the Garlock family, the outpouring of love and sympathy is a testament to the impact that Troy and Elsie had on those around them.
The Garlock family’s strength in the face of such unimaginable pain is an inspiration to all. Their dedication to honoring the memory of Troy and Elsie and their commitment to helping Mabel heal is a reminder of the power of love and resilience in the face of tragedy.
A Final Tribute to Troy and Elsie
Troy Garlock and his daughter Elsie may be gone, but their legacy will live on forever. Their love, their kindness, and their dedication to their family and community will continue to inspire all who knew them. Their tragic deaths serve as a painful reminder of the need for greater awareness and action when it comes to road safety and drunk driving.
May Troy and Elsie rest in peace, and may their family continue to find strength in their memory as they work toward healing and justice. ✨
Teen Heroes Save a Family From a Flipped Car.109
When Ordinary Teens Became Extraordinary Heroes
It was just another quiet evening in the neighborhood. The sun had dipped below the horizon, streetlights flickering to life, and families were settling into their routines. Nobody expected anything unusual—until the terrifying sound ripped through the calm: the screech of tires, a gut-wrenching crunch of metal, and then, silence broken by muffled cries.
A car had flipped onto its side, its twisted frame trapping a young family inside—a father, a mother, and their 11-month-old baby. Smoke began to curl from the engine, and the smell of burning rubber filled the air. Panic and fear gripped onlookers, many of whom could only freeze in shock. But a group of teenagers, who had been hanging out nearby, reacted instinctively.
Without hesitation, they sprinted toward the wreck. Heartbeats raced, adrenaline surged, but fear did not hold them back. They climbed onto the overturned vehicle, assessing the situation with a mix of determination and instinct. The father, holding his baby, struggled against the seatbelt. One teen quickly unclipped it while another steadied the car from shifting. Slowly, carefully, the father was freed, cradling his baby tightly against his chest.
Next, attention turned to the mother. The teens worked in unison, communicating without words, guiding her out with care. Shaken, trembling, but miraculously unharmed, she emerged from the wreckage. Around them, the scene was chaotic—sirens approaching, neighbors gasping—but these kids stayed focused, driven only by the urgency of saving lives.
Witnesses couldn’t believe their eyes. Children—barely old enough to drive themselves—had risked everything to rescue a family they didn’t even know. When the last person was safe, the teens stepped back, hands shaking, faces flushed, and shared a silent high-five. No medals, no recognition in that moment—just the quiet satisfaction of having done what was right.
That night could have ended in tragedy. But instead, it became a story of courage, heart, and the reminder that heroes are not always the ones we expect. Sometimes, they are ordinary kids—ordinary people—until the moment calls for extraordinary action.
In that instant, they proved that bravery isn’t about age or experience; it’s about the willingness to act when it matters most. And for the family they saved, these teenagers became a living reminder that humanity still thrives in the unlikeliest of heroes.
