What happened to ponyboys' parents and who watches over him and soda now?

Ponyboy's parents died in a car crash, leaving him and his older brother, Sodapop, to take care of each other. After their parents' death, the two brothers, along with their friend Darry, form a makeshift family, with Darry taking on the role of guardian for both Ponyboy and Sodapop. Despite the challenges they face, the bond among the brothers remains strong as they navigate life together.