9-year-old boy, dad waiting to cross street struck by vehicle, Arizona police say

A crash sent a vehicle onto a sidewalk, hitting and killing a 9-year-old boy waiting to cross the street with his father, who also was injured, Arizona police reported.

The fatal accident took place at 10:34 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, Chandler police said in a news release. Two vehicles crashed in a left-turn accident and one hit the sidewalk, police said.

The father and son suffered critical injuries, police said. Both were taken to hospitals, where the child later died.

The drivers showed no signs of impairment and no arrests were made, AZ Family reported.

A family friend said the father and son were walking home from a festival, KPNX reported.

A GoFundMe established for the family identified the pedestrians as Ilai Petersen and his father Aaron Petersen. Ilai’s “zest for life was unmatched,” it said.

“He touched so many lives with his smile and kind heart,” the GoFundMe said. “He loved surfing, swimming, fishing, being outdoors and playing with friends.”

Chandler is about 25 miles southeast of Phoenix.

This story was originally published November 13, 2023 at 10:17 AM with the headline "9-year-old boy, dad waiting to cross street struck by vehicle, Arizona police say."