Sean Garinger, known as “Squishy,” a 20-year-old participant in MTV’s “16 and Pregnant,” passed away following an ATV accident in Boone, North Carolina, on February 28, 2024. Garinger was moving the ATV at his home at his mother, Mary Hobbs’s request when the vehicle tipped over, resulting in fatal injuries.
Hobbs indicated that she was present at the incident. “He was merely shifting the ATV from one place to another to clear space for parking,” she shared with a media outlet.
“He was positioning the ATV in my view when the ground gave way under the weight, loosened by the recent rain and mud,” she added. This resulted in the ATV tipping over and tragically causing severe injuries to her son’s head.
“I rapidly went to the neighbors, asking for help to lift the ATV off him. Sadly, no one was available. When I got back to him,” his mother continued, “I realized he had already succumbed.”
Hobbs, 40, recounted how she “stayed by his side until the paramedics arrived.”
Emergency responders from the Boone Fire Department, Watauga Medics, and the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office promptly arrived at the accident location.
“A substantial part of my heart left with my son that day,” she said. “He was my only son, mainstay, and a source of strength during my weakest moments.”
Before the tragic accident, they had started to explore options to buy a car for Garinger, to facilitate his visits to his two daughters in Colorado, Dareli and Esmi, whom he fathered with his ex-partner, Selena Gutierrez before their separation in 2023.
“Sean brought a unique light into my life. He was my child, my “Squishy,” the heartbeat of my existence,” Hobbs added. They often enjoyed impromptu road trips or beach outings together.
“Our bond was strengthened by our shared love for music, fast cars, shooting sports, and exploring new adventures,” she finalized.
As an acknowledgment of his adventurous nature, Garinger’s obituary commemorates his passion for life, highlighting his interest in activities such as skydiving, shark diving, and surfing. Garinger’s influence reached beyond his love for adventure; he is remembered for his generosity and nationwide impact. His upbringing as a military brat enabled him to form relationships across the country, enriching the lives of those he met.
Garinger’s death has led to an outpouring of condolences from the “16 and Pregnant” community and beyond, highlighting the vast void his absence has left.
A memorial service for Garinger was held on March 2, 2024, at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home in Boone, NC. His family has requested that donations be made to homeless shelters instead of flowers, reflecting Garinger’s empathetic and charitable nature.
In addition to his mother and two daughters, Sean is survived by six sisters.