A devastating collision involving a stolen truck has forever altered the lives of multiple families in Mesa, Arizona.

According to PEOPLE, a head-on crash between a stolen Ford F250 and a Nissan Armada resulted in the deaths of three people, including an 8-year-old girl, on Monday, Feb. 3.

Mesa Police Department confirmed that the incident unfolded when Damarya Zyberi, 29, driving the stolen truck, veered into the median lane on Val Vista Drive, leading to the fatal collision. The crash claimed the lives of Troy Garlock, 42, his daughter Elsie, 8, and Zyberi himself, while leaving Garlock's younger daughter with serious injuries.

Stolen vehicle pursuit ends in devastating impact

Initial speculations about the Ford F250 being followed by another vehicle were dismissed after a thorough investigation by the Real Time Crime Center. Video footage analysis leading up to the crash revealed no pursuit took place. Speed has been identified as a contributing factor to the collision, though exact details remain undisclosed. The tragic incident began when the truck was reported stolen from Gilbert, a neighboring town, earlier that morning.

The collision's impact extended beyond the two primary vehicles involved. A third car, identified as a Nissan Sentra, was also caught in the aftermath of the crash. Fortunately, its driver sustained only minor injuries and did not require hospitalization. The incident has sparked discussions about road safety and vehicle theft prevention in the Mesa community.

Police officials have confirmed that no criminal charges will be pursued, as the suspect driver did not survive the crash. The investigation continues to piece together the exact sequence of events that led to this tragic outcome.

Community rallies behind grieving Garlock family

The loss has deeply affected the Mesa community, particularly those connected to the Garlock family. Troy Garlock, remembered as a devoted father of nine children, leaves behind a legacy of dedication to his family. His commitment to his children and unwavering love have been highlighted by those who knew him well.

The family's local dance studio, CanDance, shared heartfelt memories of young Elsie, whose passion for dance touched many lives. The studio's social media tribute captured the essence of their young student's impact on the community. Fellow dancers and instructors remember her as a bright presence who brought joy to every performance.

The surviving daughter, 6-year-old Mabel Garlock, faces a challenging recovery journey ahead. Following surgery for multiple fractures, she has returned home to begin the healing process surrounded by family support.

[Elsie] was a star and there wasn't a room or stage she didn't brighten up with her presence. She made all those who stood around her brighter. Elsie was a child of God, a daughter, granddaughter, team mate, friend and so much more. We will miss her tremendously. We always thought we had more time and would see her again.

Support network mobilizes for survivors

Community members have rallied to support the Garlock family through this difficult time. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with funeral expenses and ongoing medical costs for Mabel's recovery. The fundraising effort highlights the profound impact both Troy and Elsie had on their community.

The family's emotional tribute on the fundraising page speaks volumes about the character of both victims:

[Troy] was a man of unwavering love, strength and dedication, always putting his family first, having fun with his kids, and leading with kindness and compassion. His child, full of innocence and joy, loved to dance, brought light to every room and touched the hearts of all who knew them. Their bond was unbreakable, their love immeasurable, and their absence leaves a void that can never be filled.

Lives forever changed by tragic Monday morning

A stolen vehicle incident in Mesa, Arizona, resulted in an unprecedented tragedy that claimed three lives and left a young girl seriously injured on February 3. The collision on Val Vista Drive involved Damarya Zyberi driving a stolen Ford F250, Troy Garlock, in a Nissan Armada with his two daughters and a third vehicle whose driver escaped with minor injuries.

The Mesa community continues to process the loss of Troy Garlock, a father of nine, and his 8-year-old daughter Elsie while supporting the recovery of 6-year-old Mabel. Services for the father and daughter are scheduled for February 15 as family and friends prepare to bid their final farewells while rallying support for the surviving family members.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

While nothing can bring back those lost, this incident underscores several vital safety lessons:

1. Always be mindful of road safety by adhering to speed limits and driving conditions.
2. Remain vigilant about vehicle security, including where and how you park your car, to deter theft.
3. Community engagement and timely reporting of suspicious activities can help prevent potential crimes and escalating scenarios.

Despite our best efforts, it is crucial to remember that crime can strike unexpectedly, and innocent lives are often tragically impacted. We should never blame victims for crimes committed against them.

Why This Story Matters

The tragic nature of this accident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of vehicle theft and reckless driving. It stresses the importance of community awareness and cooperation in promoting road safety and preventing crime. Moreover, it highlights how swiftly lives can be altered or lost, prompting a collective reflection on our values and responsibilities.

In closing, this somber event left a void in a grieving community and punctuated the ongoing dialogue about crime prevention, road safety, and community resilience. It is a stark reminder that behind the statistics of road accidents and vehicle thefts, there are human stories with profound emotional depths.