An 88-year-old woman was pronounced dead following a vehicle crash into the American Orchards Senior Community late Friday night. The incident took place near Lindsay and Guadalupe roads in Gilbert, as reported by Arizona’s Family, shortly before 10 p.m. The SUV, driven by 33-year-old Joshua Michael Degolier, reportedly slammed through the wall and into the building, causing significant damage.
Found dead inside the facility was Mary Lillian Haapala, an 88-year-old resident. According to a release from the Gilbert Police Department, police allege that Degolier fled the scene following the crash, leaving tire marks still visible in front of the senior home. Fleeing after the crash but was eventually detained, Degolier faces three counts, including second-degree murder, as mentioned in a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix.
In the aftermath, video footage revealed a massive hole in the wall of the Heartwood Building within the memory care facility, which has since been boarded up. Investigators believe the driver was impaired at the time of the incident, though specifics regarding potential substances have not been disclosed.
"We are saddened by this tragic loss of life and extend our deepest condolences to her friends, family, and loved ones," said Gilbert Police Sergeant Lorenzo Teruya in a press release which was witnessed by Arizona’s Family. American Orchards also released a statement, saying, "We are deeply heartbroken by the tragic incident that occurred last evening." Both statements shared mourning and condolences for the life shockingly lost in the incident. Additionally, American Orchards stressed their commitment to the safety and well-being of their residents and expressed that the tragedy had profoundly affected their entire community.
The relationship between Joshua Degolier and the senior living facility remains uncertain.
