First OC Rainstorm of 2018 Brings Tragedy On Oso Parkway In RSM

(Rancho Santa Margarita, Ca) -- The photograph endearing. His words, more so.

The image is of 21-year old Josh Bowers, of Lake Forest, and his fiancé “Sloan”. He is tall, handsome, dressed for the Southern California sunshine in a lightweight grey oxford, blue jeans and black sneakers with white rims. He has a mustache, goatee, and intricate tattoo on his right forearm that reads “One Day At a Time” in script.

She adores him, you can tell.

Petite, long blonde hair, perfect complexion and a beautiful smile. In the photo, she is looking up at him. He, straight ahead at the camera’s lens.

This photo was posted May 30, 2016.

They are young. In love. Just starting their lives together. Forever.

Josh has four photos on his Facebook page. Two with Sloan. One of himself. The last – a photo outdoors in nature. Beautiful green trees, and white cascading waterfalls.

The May 2016 photo of Josh and Sloan is epic Orange County, Ca. Casual. Palm Trees. Converse tennis shoes. Sunny. Happy.

Beneath the photo on his Facebook page, Josh wrote three words: I love her - ❤️.

It was the last public statement he would ever make. His love for Sloan.

A RAINSTORM BRINGS TRAGEDY IN SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY JANUARY 2018 - WATER ON ROADS CHANGES A FAMILY FOREVER

On Tuesday, January 9th, Josh worked a regular day at his job of two-years at the beloved neighborhood boutique car wash on Oso Parkway – the Las Flores Car Wash, an upscale car wash that prides itself on connecting with local patrons. Josh was one of its main cashiers and supervisors. A friendly soul that had a lot of contact with the public.

“Josh was in a really good mood that day,” said Allen Hill, a Las Flores Car Wash Manager. “He was always in a good mood. He was very professional and took his job very seriously.”

“He did a really great job that day,” Hill said, still in disbelief over the loss of such a good employee. “He was working on inventory. Just as he left work to go home, it just started pouring rain.”

The rain that afternoon was torrential. It was the first major storm of the year. The roads were likely slick and slippery given it was the first rain in a long period of time.

“On January 9th, OCFA Firefighter/Paramedics quickly responded to a traffic collision at 4:20 p.m. on Oso Parkway, near Antonio Parkway on the bridge,” said OCFA Fire Captain/PIO Steve Concialdi. “OCFA Firefighter/Paramedics transported a 21-year old male in critical condition to the trauma center at Mission Hospital.”

“Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead by the trauma doctor after the trauma staff did everything they could to save him,” added Concialdi. “In addition, OCFA Firefighter/Paramedics transported a 35-year old female driving a pick-up truck that was involved in the crash in moderate condition to Mission Hospital as well. The CHP confirmed she was later released from the hospital that night.”

A FAMILY IN PAIN, A BRIGHT LIFE LOST FAR TOO SOON

Josh’s family, friends and co-workers continue to mourn his loss.

Josh’s fiancé, Sloan Schwartz, the love of his life, and his beloved family are deeply grieved by his loss – but supporting one another in the harrowing days following his accident.

“On 1/9/18, the world lost one of its biggest hearts. Josh could brighten the darkest room and make the saddest person smile. He helped many, loved much and will be in our hearts forever. Josh, I know you are roaring in heaven with Jesus and looking down on us! Not a day will go by in which you are not missed or in our hearts. 21 years was way to short, know how much you are loved.” -- Samantha Bowers, https://www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-josh-bowers.

Funeral services for Josh were held on Sunday, January 21st at 4 pm at Terra Nova Church in Lake Forest. http://www.ourterranova.com/.

VOLUNTEERING AS A WAY TO HONOR ORANGE COUNTY CITIZENS IMPACTED BY TRAGEDY

Both OCFA (www.OCFA.org) and the California Highway Patrol (https://www.chp.ca.gov/) work hand in hand all year in helping to protect and serve Orange County citizens. Both agencies offer easy ways for the public to stay engaged, connected and informed on all of the latest information available relating to many public safety issues.

OCFA offers a resources page that links people up with a variety of causes and programs relating to public safety (http://www.ocfa.org/AboutUs/RelatedLinks.aspx). Residents can get involved with both agencies to help promote public safety messages as a way to honor those residents impacted by unforeseen tragedy.

Another non-profit volunteer organization that serves Orange County residents during trauma, including traffic collisions, is the Trauma Intervention Program of Orange County (http://www.tiporangecounty.org... Helping Citizens In Crisis”).

TIP of Orange County is a chapter of the Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc. (TIP), a national non-profit organization founded in 1985. TIP has 15 affiliates serving over 250 cities across the nation. In each Affiliate, citizen volunteers respond to traumatic incidents at the request of Police, Fire and Hospital personnel to support those who are emotionally traumatized, according to tiporangecounty.org.

“Becoming a TIP volunteer is a way of making a hands on difference in someone’s life when they really need someone. TIP volunteers are often called upon to support someone at the very worse time in their lives,” according to tiporangecounty.org.

“Over a 2 week period, you will go through an intense 55 hour training by certified TIP national trainers on Emotional First Aid and Practical Care Support. After completion, volunteers enter into a 3-Month Field Training Program where each trainee is paired up with a veteran volunteer. After the completion of the field training program, trainees graduate as TIP Volunteers. This ensures that all volunteers are well prepared and ready to respond to 911 Emergency Calls with confidence and assurance,” according to tiporangecounty.org.

PHOTOS COURTESY SLOAN SCHWARTZ, BOWERS FAMILY

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