Gage Holzum Obituary Oakdale CA: Montana High School Student Killed in Arizona Highway Tragedy, Rodeo Association Mourn
Gage Holzum Obituary Oakdale CA – A heartbreaking accident in Arizona has claimed the life of Gage Holzum, a Montana high school student and beloved teenager.
Originally from Oakdale, California, Gage was among four people who tragically lost their lives in a multi-vehicle crash on Saturday.
Who Was Gage Holzum?
Gage Holzum was the cherished son of Tyler and Jennifer Holzum. He was a devoted cowboy and a well-respected member of the rodeo community. Gage lived in Rapelje and Fromberg, Montana, and was a student at a local high school.
His love for horses was evident from a young age, and he formed a special bond with every horse he owned, especially one named “Machine Gun,” which he named after his passion for firearms. Gage’s adventurous spirit and love for the Western lifestyle made him a treasured part of his community.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The tragic accident occurred on Interstate 10, more than 50 miles west of Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday afternoon. Authorities report that a chain-reaction crash involving 12 vehicles resulted in four fatalities and left two others in critical condition.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), the collision involved six commercial motor vehicles, four passenger cars, a van, and a recreational vehicle towing a trailer. Several vehicles caught fire in the aftermath of the crash.
Investigators believe an initial collision led to multiple secondary crashes. Officials are considering blowing dust and reduced visibility as potential contributing factors, though the area was not under a dust advisory at the time. Wind speeds in the region were estimated at 20 to 25 miles per hour.
As of Sunday, two individuals remained in critical condition, while one person was receiving precautionary medical care. Five others were treated and later released. The names of all victims have not yet been publicly disclosed.
The crash forced authorities to shut down both eastbound and westbound lanes on Interstate 10 for several hours, with road closures extending into Sunday morning.
Gage Holzum’s untimely passing has left a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the rodeo community. His memory will live on through the countless lives he touched with his kindness, passion, and cowboy spirit.
