Caleb Guatemala Obituary, Death – A family in Watertown is grieving the devastating loss of 18-year-old Caleb Guatemala, who died in a car accident over the weekend. His mother, Rachel Finn, is relying on the support of family and friends after making the heartbreaking discovery herself when she located her son’s vehicle in the woods and found him inside.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department reported that the crash occurred early Saturday morning along County Highway Q near Pit Road, just outside Watertown. According to deputies, Caleb’s vehicle left a curve in the road and struck several trees before coming to rest.
Rachel said she began to worry after her son didn’t return home and stopped answering calls. Following her instincts, she tracked his phone’s last known location, which ultimately led her to the crash site. Though the phone had already died, it helped guide her to where his car was hidden in the wooded area.
“This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my life, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone,” Rachel said. “When moms feel something is wrong with their kids, they need to trust that instinct—it’s usually right.”
At first, Caleb’s family assumed he was spending the day with friends. They never imagined he had been in an accident. By the time they realized something was wrong, tragedy had already struck.
Caleb’s younger brother, Gabrien Garcia-Finn, admitted the loss has left a void that’s hard to bear. “It’s been hard going into the house and not being insulted when I walk through the door—that’s the brotherly love I miss,” he said, reflecting on their close bond.
Friends also spoke about the positive impact Caleb had on their lives. Laila Aucutt, a close friend, described him as the kind of person everyone could lean on. “He was the one person we all knew we could go to about anything,” she said. “Now we can’t say that anymore.”
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not determined why Caleb’s car veered off the road. The family is waiting for answers but, in the meantime, they are focusing on keeping his memory alive and leaning on each other for strength.
His aunt, Angela Hernandez, emphasized how deeply Caleb cared for others. “He loved everybody, and he always made sure everyone knew that,” she said. “He was an amazing soul, a bright light that shined on everyone he met.”
The loss of such a young life has left a hole not only in his family but also in the wider community. Friends and relatives remember Caleb as kindhearted, fun-loving, and someone who made people feel valued and cared for.
As the investigation continues, his family is left with memories of a son, brother, nephew, and friend who brought joy to those around him. For Rachel, the pain of losing Caleb is profound, but she hopes his story reminds others to cherish loved ones and trust their instincts when something feels wrong.
