Impairment is suspected in a crash that hospitalized several people and left one child dead in Phoenix Saturday afternoon.
The crash happened near 17th Avenue and Bethany Home Road around 4 p.m.
According to Phoenix Fire officials, a 13-year-old boy and a 10-year-old boy were taken to the hospital in critical but stable condition. The 13-year-old, later identified as Juan Solario, died from his injuries. A 4-year-old girl was also taken to the hospital in serious but stable condition.
Juan's father, Jose, described Juan as a boy who loved cars and video games. His father said Juan wanted to become a mechanic someday.
Jose said his son was barely conscious at the hospital when he saw him, but he was able to answer that he wasn't in any pain and knew who his dad was. Doctors told him his son's condition was declining and there wasn't much they could do for him.
"He was a good boy who wasn't hard to love. He was very mindful. I told him I was going to miss him so much and that I loved him so much," said Jose. "He will always be in our memories and our hearts. He will always be right here."
The other occupants of the car, a 42-year-old woman, and a 38-year-old woman, were taken to an area hospital in critical but stable condition.
A fire department spokesperson said a 25-year-old man from the other vehicle was taken to a trauma center in critical but stable condition.
Sergeant Pfohl with Phoenix Police said investigators believe the man may have been impaired. He was evaluated, and an investigation is underway to determine if any charges will be filed.
"He needs to be held accountable for what he did and the pain he caused for these families," said Jose.
The family of the child who passed away has established a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses.
