Sean “Squishy” Garinger, a 20-year-old featured on MTV’s “16 and Pregnant,” has died following an ATV accident in Boone, North Carolina, on February 28, 2024. Garinger was repositioning the ATV across his home at the request of his mother, Mary Hobbs, when the vehicle overturned, leading to fatal injuries.

“I was there with him when the incident occurred,” Hobbs told a media outlet. “He was simply relocating the ATV from one spot to another to make space for me to park.”

“As he was positioning the ATV in front of me, the terrain collapsed under the weight, weakened by the recent rainfall and mud,” she continued, explaining how the ATV overturned and tragically “crushed” her son’s head.

“I hurried to the neighbors, seeking assistance to lift the ATV off him. No one responded. When I returned to him,” his mom went on, “it was then I understood he had already passed away.”

Hobbs, aged 40, recounted how she “stayed beside him until the paramedics arrived.”

The Boone Fire Department, Watauga Medics, and the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office swiftly attended to the accident scene.

“A significant part of my heart was lost with my son that day,” she elaborated. “He was my sole son, pillar, and source of strength when I was utterly devoid of it.”

Right before the tragic incident, they had been exploring options to purchase a vehicle for Garinger, enabling him to visit his two daughters in Colorado, Dareli and Esmi, whom he fathered with his former partner, Selena Gutierrez before they broke up in 2023.

“Sean illuminated my life in a manner unmatched by anyone else. He was my little boy, my “Squishy,” the pulse of my life,” Hobbs continued. We cherished our impromptu drives for a road trip or a session at the beach.”

“Our connection deepened through our love for music, high-speed cars, shooting activities, and embarking on fresh adventures,” she concluded.

A testament to his adventurous spirit, Garinger’s obituary celebrates his zest for life, noting his enjoyment of activities such as skydiving, shark diving, and surfing. His legacy extends beyond his love for adventure; he is remembered for his generosity and impact on lives nationwide. Garinger’s military-brat upbringing allowed him to form connections across the country, enriching the lives of those he encountered.

The passing of Garinger has triggered a flood of condolences from the “16 and Pregnant” community and further afield, emphasizing the profound gap his departure has created. 

A memorial service for Garinger took place on March 2, 2024, at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home in Boone, NC. His family has requested that contributions be made to homeless shelters instead of flowers in memory of Garinger, a gesture that mirrors his compassionate and altruistic spirit.

In addition to his mother and two young daughters, Sean is survived by six sisters.