NewsOperation Safe Roads

Actions

Two dead after possible DUI crash in Phoenix near 40th Street and Loop 202

40th Street loop 202 deadly crash 10/16/23
Posted at 3:11 PM, Oct 18, 2023
and last updated 2023-10-19 09:14:21-04

PHOENIX — Two people have died following a crash Monday evening near 40th and Van Buren streets.

Just after 7 p.m., Phoenix firefighters were called to the area for reports of a crash involving two vehicles.

Phoenix Police Department officials say a white passenger vehicle and a gray SUV collided in the intersection.

Three people inside the white car were taken to a hospital — 19-year-old Jade Pedro died at the hospital the night of the crash and 49-year-old Roberto (Robert) Pedro, the driver, died Wednesday morning.

"They gave us a chance to at least say goodbye to our brother, this morning we disconnected him from the life support," said Eduvina Pedro, Robert's sister.

A third person inside the white car was treated and released, according to police.

Robert's sisters say the third person inside the white car was their nephew, saying it was a miracle he survived the crash.

"The pictures that are on the news you can tell, like how does anyone survive that," said Eduvina.

A fourth person was taken to a hospital for treatment and was identified as the driver of the SUV.

During a preliminary investigation, detectives believe the SUV ran a red light while heading eastbound on the Loop 202 freeway access road and hit the white car that was heading northbound on 40th Street. Impairment is believed to be a factor involving the driver of the SUV, police announced.

Family told ABC15 the crash happened less than two miles from where the Pedro family lives. Now Robert's two sisters are waiting to learn exactly what happened.

As the family prepares for two funerals, they are also worried about Robert's wife and two kids. They have started a fundraiser to help with expenses.

"He was the sole provider," said Eduvina. "He's the one that takes care of everything for them. So he has this house. He has bills."

An investigation remains ongoing. No charges have been filed.