MESA, Ariz. (DDN) – A tragic incident has left an Arizona community grieving, as a young girl and two men lost their lives in a three-vehicle collision that involved a stolen vehicle last week.
A statement from the Mesa Police Department reveals that a Ford F250 truck was taken from the nearby town of Gilbert on the morning of Monday, Feb. 3.
A 29-year-old man named Damarya Zyberi was reportedly driving north on Val Vista Drive in Mesa when he is said to have swerved into the median lane.
Authorities reported that a vehicle crashed directly into a Nissan Armada traveling south in the center lane. Another vehicle, positioned behind the Nissan, was caught up in the incident as well.
Authorities reported that the 42-year-old driver of the Nissan, Troy Garlock, was found deceased at the location. At the time of the accident, Garlock’s daughters, 8-year-old Elsie and 6-year-old Mabel, were seated in the back seat, according to the family.
“The 8-year-old was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The 6-year-old is being treated for injuries,” police said.
Zyberi was declared dead at the location. The unidentified driver of the Nissan Sentra sustained only minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.
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“There was an allegation the Ford F250 had been followed by another vehicle prior to the collision. Our Real Time Crime Center was able to check video leading up to the crash and determined this was not the case,” police added. “Speed is believed to be a factor in this collision. There will be no pending criminal charges, as the suspect driver is deceased.”
In the wake of the tragic loss of Garlock and his young daughter, the family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and related costs.
“[Garlock] was a man of unwavering love, strength and dedication, always putting his family first, having fun with his kids, and leading with kindness and compassion,” the family said.
“His child, full of innocence and joy, loved to dance, brought light to every room and touched the hearts of all who knew them. Their bond was unbreakable, their love immeasurable, and their absence leaves a void that can never be filled,” the fundraiser message continued. “Though their time with us was tragically cut short, their love, laughter, and memories will live on forever in our hearts,” family added.
The family shared that 6-year-old Mabel is healing at home following surgery “with numerous broken bones.”
As reported by the Arizona Republic, Garlock held the roles of husband, brother, and father to nine children. Elsie was a dedicated dancer at a local dance studio, CanDance, which shared on social media that she “was a star and there wasn’t a room or stage she didn’t brighten up with her presence.” Her presence illuminated everyone in her vicinity.
“Elsie was a child of God, a daughter, granddaughter, team mate, friend and so much more. We will miss her tremendously. We always thought we had more time and would see her again,” the dance studio wrote. “Life is not to be taken for granted, and this has been an unimaginable reminder of that.”
Reference: 8-Year-Old Girl, 2 Men Dead After Stolen Truck Collides Head-On with SUV
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