MESA, Ariz. — A 5-year-old girl was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing a street with her mother and other children in Mesa on December 26, police said.
Ariyah Marie Elias was crossing at the intersection of East Guadalupe and South Hawes Road with her mother, Alora Silva, and five other neighborhood children when the incident occurred.
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According to Mesa Police, the traffic light changed during the crossing and a truck traveling west on Guadalupe struck the child.
The driver reported not seeing the group until it was too late.
“When she got hit, it spun her around,” Jordan Elias, Ariyah’s father said.
Police said lifesaving measures were taken by officers on scene but tragically, Ariyah died at Banner Desert Hospital.
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Her mother said Ariyah had celebrated her fifth birthday on November 26, exactly a month from when she died.
Her mother said she still had some unopened Christmas presents under their tree.
“I don’t wish this on my worst enemies. This is the worst thing anyone could possibly go through,” Silva said.
The Mesa Police Department is continuing its investigation.
No charges have been filed at this time, though the family is hoping further action is taken.
“I want some answers,” Silva said. “I want justice for my daughter.”
MPD has not released the driver’s identity.
The family has set up a GoFundMe to help pay for funeral expenses.
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