A tragic collision that took the life of an 87-year-old man in February has led to the arrest of a 20-year-old driver. According to 12 News, the man accused, Joshua Villalobos, was allegedly driving a 2014 Dodge Charger at 88 mph in a 45 mph zone when he collided with the victim's vehicle, a 2020 Toyota Prius. The victim, identified as Ivan Teklic, was described by his daughter Rosemary Koessler as a Croatian immigrant who loved his family and had aspirations to reach 100 years of age.
Villalobos was arrested on October 11 and has been indicted by a grand jury. He was booked into the Maricopa County jail on a $100,000 bond after the fatal crash that occurred on 32nd Street in north Phoenix. As reported by AZFamily, Villalobos is facing one count of reckless manslaughter, but it's unclear whether he sustained any injuries in the accident. The court documents indicate that a DNA sample was refused by Villalobos, which is a criminal offense, however, no charges related to this refusal have been filed at this time.
The loss of Teklic left his family grieving and seeking closure. In a statement obtained by 12 News, Koessler remembered her father as a man committed to life and community. "He told us, 'I am going to live to be 100 years old. That's my goal,'" Koessler said. "'If you keep moving, if you keep helping people and doing good things in your life, you will live. It's when you stop doing those things and just sit down. That's when you die.'" She spoke of wanting Villalobos to acknowledge the suffering caused by his actions but expressed no ill will towards him.
Amidst the ongoing legal proceedings, Koessler made a plea for more caution and patience on the road. "I wish for you when you get in your car, that you take a deep breath and that you count to 10 and that you think about the loved ones that you're trying to get home to safely," she told 12 News. The family hopes that the incident will remind others to consider the impact of their driving behavior on fellow motorists and their families.
Villalobos has since posted bond and pleaded not guilty to the reckless manslaughter charges brought against him. As the case progresses, the court has yet to set a date for trial. Further developments are awaited as the family of Ivan Teklic continues to mourn their loss and seek justice in this ongoing case.
