By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-07-23 17:32:53 | Updated at 2026-07-28 18:24:04
5 days ago
The family of a mother of three who had to have both of her legs amputated after a devastating boating accident has shared a heartbreaking update on her condition.
Lilia Reynaga, of Salt Lake City, Utah, suffered catastrophic injuries on July 11 while tubing on the waters of Bear Lake.
What should have been a lovely family outing quickly descended into a nightmare when Reynaga was pulled under the boat that was towing her raft and the watercraft's propellers struck her legs.
The traumatic injury caused her to begin bleeding profusely, but bystanders managed to save her life by rushing to apply tourniquets to her legs before she was airlifted to a hospital for treatment, according to the Bear Lake County Sheriff's Office.
The mother of three was not initially publicly identified, but her family shared her name in a GoFundMe update on Tuesday after the fundraiser garnered nearly $100,000.
According to the update, Reynaga is still in the hospital, where she has had multiple surgeries and is undergoing therapy.
The mother is 'learning how to navigate a completely new way of life,' the fundraising page stated, but 'she continues to hold onto hope, especially because of the love she has for her children.'
Those children are aged 16, eight and two, according to the GoFundMe. The family released photos of Reynaga with her children 'because they are the reason she keeps fighting every single day.'
Lilia Reynaga, a mother of three, had to have both her legs amputated after a devastating boating accident on Bear Lake in Utah
Reynaga was pulled under the boat that was towing her raft, and the propellers struck her legs. She is pictured in the hospital with her children
Reynaga is the mother of a 16-year-old, eight-year-old and two-year-old. Her husband, Rosalio Garcia (pictured, center), said she has shown 'incredible courage and determination'
According to the update, Reynaga still has a long road to recovery, which will include 'extensive rehabilitation, prosthetic legs, [and] ongoing medical care.'
Reynaga's husband, Rosalio Garcia, said in a Facebook post: 'While this has been one of the most difficult experiences our family has ever faced, she continues to show incredible courage and determination every single day.'
'As her husband, watching the woman I love face this journey has been heartbreaking. At the same time, I've witnessed a level of strength and resilience that inspires everyone around her,' Garcia's post continued.
'She is determined to walk again with prosthetics, regain her independence, and continue being the amazing mother our children know and love.'
On social media and the GoFundMe update, the family said that Reynaga's treatment is incredibly expensive, and they are facing mounting bills while contending with lost income as the mother has been unable to work.
Reynaga is a realtor who is well-known within Salt Lake City's real estate scene.
Shortly after the mother was injured, fellow realtor Spring Bentzen shared a video on her Facebook calling on members of the community to donate to Reynaga's fundraiser, and she herself donated $10,000.
In another GoFundMe update posted on Thursday, Reynaga's family thanked everyone who has supported them for 'all the love, prayers, well wishes.'
Reynaga's family said her children 'are the reason she keeps fighting every single day.' The mom is pictured with her kids
Reynaga's family has been facing mounting medical bills while contending with lost income, as the mother has been unable to work
The horrific accident occurred on the waters of Bear Lake on July 11. Reynaga was saved by bystanders who applied tourniquets to her legs, police said
The update said that with the help of treatment and prosthetics, the mother has 'so much faith she will stand on 2 legs again.'
'She has a long road but she’s ready for her journey,' the update added.
