'We are sick and devastated': Pinal Co. sheriff mourns death of son and granddaughter
Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb issued a statement following the car collision death of his son and granddaughter, thanking the community for an "outpouring of love."
The two-vehicle crash on Elliot Road and Cole Drive in Gilbert on Friday left 22-year-old man and infant dead and a woman hospitalized in critical condition. Gilbert police later named one of the victims to be Cooper Lamb, Sheriff Mark Lamb's son, and stated that the infant was Sheriff Lamb's granddaughter.
"We are just so touched and grateful for the outpouring of love, support and prayers from our friends, the people of Arizona and friends from all over the country," said Mark Lamb in an email to The Arizona Republic. "We are also extremely thankful for those citizens and first responders who rendered care to Cooper and our sweet granddaughter."
According to the Gilbert Police Department, a silver truck was traveling westbound at what appeared to be "normal speeds" when it struck a red passenger car traveling eastbound. The red car had attempted to make a left-hand turn to go north on Cole Drive.
Officers and Gilbert Fire and Rescue first responders attempted lifesaving measures on the three occupants in the red car, but Cooper Lamb and the infant were pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. The female driver of the red car was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
In a Facebook post, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office stated that Cooper Lamb's fiancée and mother of the child remains hospitalized and in critical condition.
A GoFundMe has been set up for funeral expenses and medical bills to be donated to Mark Lamb and his wife Janel. Mark Lamb told the Republic that in the mean time, he is praying for his son's fiancée and her family.
"We are clinging to our faith in Jesus Christ and each other and although we are sick and devastated we know that we will all be together again someday," Mark Lamb said.
The driver of the truck was uninjured. After an investigation from the Gilbert Police Department's traffic unit, the truck driver was arrested for possible impairment, officials said.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Pinal Co. sheriff mourns death of son and granddaughter
