PD: Teen street racing kills Valley man

MESA, AZ - A 47-year-old man lost his life Sunday night after the car he was driving was t-boned by a teen who may have been street racing.

Mesa police spokesman Tony Landato said the accident happened near University and Val Vista Roads around 7:40 p.m.

Police said two cars were racing on University when Patrick Meley pulled out into the street in front of them.

"They took a wonderful man's life. A dad and a friend," Meley's wife, April said.

A white Nissan 250-Z convertible struck the driver's side virtually destroying his car.

Landato said Meley was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 19-year-old driver, and his 19-year-old passengers were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The other driver involved in the race fled the scene and hasn't been seen since. Police haven't released the type of car they are looking for.

Landato said the primary cause of the accident is suspected to be excessive speed. No impairment is suspected.

"A little bit of anger, a little bit of wonder what they were doing. Pat's in heaven, and I know he's in a better place, but he took my children's dad away, and it's hard," Meley said.

Meley leaves behind his wife, two daughters, and a new grandson.

Landato said criminal charges would likely be filed if the investigation confirms excessive speed was a factor in the accident.