CHANDLER, AZ — A boy is dead and a man is hurt after they were hit by a car Saturday morning in Chandler.
Chandler police say they were called to the area of Loop 101 and Ray Road just after 10:30 a.m. for a serious accident.
When officers arrived, they found a two-car accident had taken place.
One of the vehicles involved in the accident had left the roadway, went onto the sidewalk, and hit the man and boy, who were waiting to cross the street.
The boy, who was nine years old, died at the hospital, according to police.
The man, who police say is the boy's father, was critically hurt and was taken to the hospital.
“You can do every single thing right perfectly, and you still could meet with some kind of tragic accident,” said Spokesperson for Crossroads Nazarene Church, Christine Jones. “That’s exactly what happened today a massive tragedy that took the life of an incredible young human being.”
Jones is also acting as a spokesperson for the Petersen family, who are members of the church.
She sent ABC15 pictures and said the nine-year-old who was killed is named Ilai Petersen.
Those close to the Petersens said Ilai's father Aaron is out of the hospital and expected to be okay but still in shock.
The people ABC15 spoke with described the family as beautiful, with every member including Ilai dedicated to service and giving back all over the world.
ABC15 is told Aaron and his wife even met on a missionary trip before starting their family in the Valley.
“People have to pay attention and even when you are paying attention things can happen,” said Jones.
Multiple people told ABC15 throughout the day that they see crashes frequently at this particular intersection.
Loved ones and those close to the family want to share one message.
“Go hug your family members,” said Jones. “Tell them that you love them. Assume that every conversation is the last conversation, because in the end it just might be.”
An online fundraiser has been set up to help the Petersen's pay for medical and funeral expenses.
It is not believed that impairment played a role in the crash.
The crash remains under investigation.
