Nationwide — A tragic crash in Phoenix, Arizona, has claimed the life of a 6-year-old African American girl named Armyah and sent her 4-year-old sister to the hospital with a serious brain injury. This has prompted a criminal investigation and multiple felony charges. The collision happened Sunday evening near 75th Avenue on Interstate 10, forcing the closure of the eastbound lanes. Authorities say the crash involved a pickup truck and a passenger vehicle carrying five people, including four children.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), the pickup struck the passenger car, causing it to slam into a concrete median. Court records show one adult and four children were inside. Sadly, Armyah later died from her injuries. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the grieving family.
According to 12News, investigators say the driver of the pickup truck fled the scene but was quickly tracked down using ADOT freeway cameras. The vehicle stopped on SR 202, and the driver, later identified as 21-year-old Turatsinze Gadi, was found at a nearby Quikstop.
DPS officers administered a field sobriety test, which indicated Gadi was intoxicated. A subsequent blood test showed a blood alcohol level of 0.219 MG/DL, and he also tested positive for THC. Gadi admitted to drinking beer and tequila at a birthday party before the crash. He was arrested and booked into Maricopa County Jail on charges including second-degree homicide, aggravated assault, and endangerment.
During questioning, Gadi claimed the other driver brake-checked him and said he fled because he was “in shock” and wanted to call his girlfriend. Investigators said his account does not match their findings.
The investigation remains ongoing as Armyah’s family and community mourn the loss of a young life cut short by a preventable tragedy.