In Loving Memory of Rose Hernandez
With profound sorrow, we remember Rose Hernandez, an 18-year-old young woman from Scranton, Pennsylvania, whose life was tragically taken far too soon. Rose’s passing has left a deep ache in the hearts of her family, friends, and the wider community—a loss that words can scarcely capture.
On Monday afternoon, Rose was found unresponsive and bleeding in the rear of a residence on West Locust Street on Scranton’s West Side. Emergency responders rushed her to Geisinger Community Medical Center, where medical teams worked urgently to save her life. Despite their efforts, Rose was pronounced dead, leaving behind unanswered questions and immeasurable grief. Authorities have stated that her injuries were consistent with being struck by a motor vehicle, and an autopsy has been scheduled as part of the ongoing investigation.
According to police, Rose’s boyfriend, Joseph Garcia, also 18, has been charged with two counts of felony aggravated assault and is scheduled to be arraigned. As the legal process continues, the focus for many remains on honoring Rose’s life and mourning the devastating loss of someone so young, whose future held so much promise.
Rose was more than the circumstances surrounding her death. She was a daughter, a friend, a loved one—someone with dreams, laughter, and a presence that mattered. At just 18, she stood at the threshold of adulthood, with a lifetime of experiences ahead of her. Her smile, her voice, and her spirit will be remembered by those who knew her best and loved her most.
This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can change and how fragile our time together truly is. As Scranton mourns, the community stands in solidarity with Rose’s family, offering prayers, comfort, and compassion during this unimaginable time. May they find strength in one another, and may the love surrounding them help carry them through the days ahead.
Rest in peace, Rose Hernandez. Your life mattered. You are deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten.