An Arizona community is mourning the loss of a young girl who, after overcoming a near-drowning experience years earlier, tragically died in an accident outside her home. Four-year-old Mia Preston was playing with her siblings when she was struck by a passing truck, according to her mother, Alia Preston, in an interview with FOX 10 Phoenix.
The incident took place on Feb. 23 around 5:15 p.m. near Combs Road and Painted Desert Drive in the Far East Valley. The Pinal County Sheriff's Office reported that Mia was promptly taken to a hospital, where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries. The driver involved in the crash remained on the scene, cooperating with law enforcement, as per a report from FOX 10 Phoenix. The Pinal County Vehicular Crimes Task Force is currently investigating the details surrounding the fatal incident.
Recalling the accident, Alia Preston revealed to FOX 10 Phoenix that the family is struggling to come to terms with the loss. "She was at that moment – maybe she thought the truck stopped, she was gonna start to go across the street – we’re not sure. She’s so tiny that when he started to go, to proceed to drive, he hit her and then ended up running her over," she said. Mia's mother further stressed that the driver wasn't negligent, asserting that it was "purely, like, 100% an accident."
Previously, Mia had shown resilience by learning to swim after her father performed CPR on her, saving her life following a near-drowning incident in a pool. Her mother shared with FOX 10 Phoenix that Mia's story had inspired others to prioritize swimming safety for their own children. "Even recently, I would get messages from people thanking me for sharing her story and watching her swim," Alia Preston said, "They put their children in swim lessons and ISR, and we know that she saved lives from her miracle."
The community plans to honor Mia's memory with a celebration of life scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, an event open to the public. Mia's inspirational journey, her ability to affect lives, and the tragic suddenness of her passing have left an indelible mark on those who knew her and the broader community that her story reached.
