🎄💔 ‘There are still presents under the tree…’

But the joy of Christmas is gone forever for one heartbroken husband.

Christian Breault woke up to a nightmare just days before the holidays: His beautiful new wife Caitlin – a loving mom to their baby boy Luke – kil-led instantly in a horrific DUI crash.

Miraculously, little Luke was unharmed in his car seat… but now he’ll grow up without his mom. And those gifts? They’ll never be opened the way she planned.

This tragedy will shatter you… Full devastating story below 👇 Prayers for this family?

 

In a tragedy that has left a Florida family shattered just days before what should have been their first Christmas as a married couple, Christian Breault is speaking out about unimaginable loss — and unexpected forgiveness — after his wife Caitlin was killed in a DUI crash.

“There are still presents under the tree,” Breault told reporters, his voice breaking as he described waking up without his wife by his side. “Waking up without my wife in my arms, without her being there, was the most heartbreaking thing.”

The crash occurred on the Sunday before Christmas, December 21, 2025, along Blue Angel Parkway in Escambia County. Caitlin Breault, a new mother beaming with joy over her infant son Luke, had kissed her husband goodbye that afternoon. She was heading out for some last-minute Christmas shopping, accompanied by their baby boy, her own mother, and Christian’s grandmother.

What was meant to be a routine errand turned deadly when an alleged drunk driver collided with their vehicle. Caitlin died instantly at the scene. The two other adults in the car — Caitlin’s mom and Christian’s grandmother — suffered severe injuries and were rushed to hospitals. Miraculously, baby Luke, securely strapped in his car seat in the back, emerged completely unharmed — a small mercy amid the devastation.

“I got a text, and it was from my wife, but it wasn’t a normal text,” Breault recounted. The message alerted him to the crash. Panicking, he raced to the scene, running nearly half a mile upon arrival. “I saw my wife on the ground having CPR being performed on her, and I just screamed out, ‘Where’s my baby?’”

First responders assured him Luke was safe, a moment of relief in the chaos. “I’m so thankful she didn’t have to suffer,” Breault said of Caitlin’s instantaneous passing.

The driver suspected of causing the wreck was taken into custody on DUI charges, authorities confirmed. Details on the exact circumstances — including speed, blood alcohol levels, and potential additional charges — are still emerging as the Florida Highway Patrol investigates.

But in a stunning display of grace, Breault has already extended forgiveness to the man behind the wheel. “I forgive him,” he stated firmly. Sources close to the family say Breault, drawing on his faith, believes harboring hatred would only compound the pain for himself and his son.

Caitlin and Christian Breault had tied the knot earlier in 2025, making this holiday season their first as husband and wife. Photos shared by the family show a radiant couple: vacationing at Disney World with little Luke, Caitlin napping peacefully with her newborn, and the pair beaming on their wedding day.

Friends describe Caitlin as a devoted mother who lit up any room. “She was so excited for Luke’s first Christmas,” one pal told local media. The couple had been wrapping gifts and decorating, envisioning a magical morning with their baby boy experiencing the wonders of the season.

Now, those carefully chosen presents sit untouched beneath the tree — a painful reminder of dreams cut short. Breault faces the daunting task of navigating grief while caring for an infant who will grow up without his mother’s embrace.

The crash has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Pensacola community. Vigils have been held, with neighbors leaving flowers, candles, and messages of support outside the family home. A GoFundMe page set up to help with medical bills, funeral costs, and Luke’s future has seen an outpouring of donations, surpassing initial goals within days.

Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons addressed the incident in a press conference, calling it a “preventable tragedy” and renewing calls for responsible driving during the holidays. “One poor decision has destroyed a family,” he said. Statistics show DUI-related crashes spike during festive periods, a grim reality underscored by this case.

Breault, meanwhile, is focusing on his son and healing. “Luke is my everything now,” he said. The baby, oblivious to the loss for the moment, provides a beacon of hope. Family members have rallied around, with relatives stepping in to assist with childcare and daily needs.

Caitlin’s mother and Christian’s grandmother remain hospitalized, recovering from serious injuries. Doctors report they are stable but facing long roads to full recovery.

As New Year’s approaches, Breault plans a quiet remembrance for his wife. Funeral arrangements are pending, with services expected to draw hundreds from the community touched by the young family’s story.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark warning about the dangers of impaired driving. Advocacy groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have highlighted the case, urging designated drivers and ride-sharing during celebrations.

In the midst of sorrow, Breault’s message of forgiveness stands out. “I don’t want anger to define us,” he explained. “Caitlin was full of love — that’s how I want to honor her.”

For a family forever altered, the gifts under the tree symbolize both lost joy and enduring love. Little Luke, spared by fate or divine intervention, will one day hear stories of a mother who adored him fiercely.

The community continues to rally, offering meals, prayers, and support. As Breault navigates this nightmare, he clings to memories and his son’s smiles — small lights in profound darkness.