x
Breaking News
More () »

Father shares heartbreak after 13-year-old son killed by suspected DUI driver

Phoenix police said a driver lost control of his car and crossed the center lane at 17th Avenue and Bethany Home Road, colliding with the car Juan was in.

PHOENIX - A father wants even stricter DUI laws after his 13-year-old son, Juan Solorio was killed by a driver suspected to be under the influence.

Jose Solorio spoke outside John C. Lincoln hospital, where his wife is being treated. She was also in the car struck by the suspected DUI driver.

The Solorio family (Photo courtesy: Jose Solorio)

Solorio tells 12 News his family isn’t doing well.

“Why do innocent people have to lose their lives?” he asked.

“If he was really at fault, he needs to pay,” said Solorio, referring to the suspect.

Phoenix police said a driver lost control of his car and crossed the center lane at 17th Avenue and Bethany Home Road, colliding with the car Juan was in. The fatal accident happened Saturday afternoon.

Despite strict Arizona DUI laws, DUI related accidents don’t seem to be going down.

According to Jason Frazier, State Executive Director with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, there were 295 deaths in Arizona in 2015. The number rose to 302 in 2016, and Frazier suspects it will rise again in 2017.

Juan's family has set a GoFundMe account to help pay for funeral costs.

Before You Leave, Check This Out