Man arrested for drunk driving and murder after Queen Creek crash that left 4-year-old girl dead

QUEEN CREEK, AZ (AZFamily) — A young girl has died following a collision in Queen Creek earlier this week. Today, the driver of one of the other vehicles involved faces charges including murder.

The two-vehicle crash happened shortly after 11:30 a.m. Wednesday near Hunt Highway and Power Road. City officials say a minivan was stopped at a stop sign when it was struck by another vehicle traveling nearly 60 miles per hour, adding that the driver never braked.

Video from the scene shows severe damage to the back of a van.

An adult and two children were in the minivan, including a 4-year-old girl who was airlifted to hospital in critical condition. While the other two were not seriously injured, the girl died on Thursday.

Investigators say the driver of the other vehicle, Jason Sanchez, 33, had a blood alcohol level of 0.11 at the time of the crash. He was initially booked into the Pinal County Jail on charges of aggravated assault and driving while intoxicated, but an additional charge of second-degree murder has since been added.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family during this incredibly difficult time; the loss of a child is unimaginable,” Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice said in an emailed news release. “Drinking and driving is a reckless and dangerous choice that endangers the lives of everyone on the road. »

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the girl's family pay for medical expenses and now funeral arrangements. Tap/click here for more information and to donate.

The accident is still under investigation.

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