GILBERT, Ariz. - An 88-year-old woman was killed after a driver crashed into a Gilbert senior living facility.
It happened just after 10 o’clock last night near Lindsay and Guadalupe roads.
Police say Mary Lillian Haapala was inside the building when the vehicle slammed straight into the wall of American Orchards Senior Community around 10:00 p.m. on Jan. 10.
Joshua Michael Degolier, 33, the alleged driver, fled the scene after the crash but was eventually arrested on three counts, including second degree murder.
Police believed he was impaired at the time of the crash.
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Tire marks in the parking lot can still be seen in front of the home.
The car crashed into the Heartwood Building of the memory care facility.
Video footage of the incident shows a massive hole in the wall that was created by the crash.
The hole has since been boarded up.
"We are saddened by this tragic loss of life and extend our deepest condolences to her friends, family, and loved ones," Gilbert Police Sergeant Lorenzo Teruya said in a release.
American Orchards also sent out a statement:
We are deeply heartbroken by the tragic incident that occurred last evening. This devastating loss has profoundly impacted our community, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the resident during this unimaginably difficult time. This has been an incredibly tough day for all of us at American Orchards. Our team cares deeply for each of our residents, and their safety and well-being are always our top priority. This tragedy is something no one could have anticipated, and it has left us all grieving. We are committed to honoring the memory of the remarkable resident we lost and to supporting our entire community as we navigate this painful time together. On behalf of our leadership, staff, and residents, we extend our deepest condolences to the grieving family and all those who are working through this heartbreak. Additionally, we'd like to thank the first responders, including the officers and fire crew, who arrived quickly and acted with professionalism and compassion during this difficult situation.
It is still unclear what Joshua Degolier’s relation to the facility is.