An Arizona father was driving his children home from swim lessons when their car was rear-ended by an alleged drunk driver going 60mph. His four-year-old girl didn't survive.
After the crash, the father was able to get out of the car and get his children out with the help of witnesses. When he pulled his daughter Lily Moster, 4, from the wreckage, she was unconscious. The father and Lily's six-year-old brother were left with minor injuries .
Lily was airlifted to a nearby hospital, but she was already in critical condition when she arrived. She died Thursday night at the hospital in her parents’ arms.
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"It was the sweetest thing. They removed all the equipment, so Mom and Dad could really hold her like a baby. They wept and hugged her when she passed," said Lily’s grandfather, Dan Smith.
The grandfather added that Lily and her brother Luke were best friends. "She’s a treasure to the family. She’s just a sweet little spitfire," Smith added.
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He says the family is understandably struggling with the loss of the child. "Dad feels guilt for no reason at all. It’s not his blame, but they’re struggling," Smith said. "Just slowly settling in when Momma comes home from the hospital the first time and Lily’s not there, that was a heartbreaking moment."
“She’s going to be sorely missed, but she’ll live with us in our hearts,” Smith said. “They’re really clinging to Luke because he’s what they have left," continued the grandfather.
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The family set up a GoFundMe to help the family with funeral expenses - and of course, Lily’s medical bills, which they still owe.
Investigators have identified the driver of the Jeep Wrangler that smashed into the family as 33-year-old Jason Sanchez. They revealed that he did not attempt to brake before the crash, and his blood alcohol level was found to be 0.111, nearly 1.5 times over the legal limit, according to Arizona Family .
Court documents reveal that Sanchez allegedly confessed to consuming three or four beers at San Tan Mountain Casino, from where he was returning home.
Sanchez was taken into custody at the Pinal County Jail on the day of the accident on charges of aggravated assault and driving under the influence. Following Lily's tragic death, he now also faces a charge of second-degree murder. Sanchez's bond has been set at $100,000.
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