PHOENIX — A car crash caused by a suspected drunk driver ended a mother's life and sent her three-year-old son to the hospital in critical condition.
Phoenix police 38-year-old Debbie Alvarez was killed in a crash near Interstate 10 and the 51st Avenue overpass on Wednesday night.
Three others were also in the car, including Alvarez's youngest son, according to the victim's sister Denise Alvarez.
Court documents obtained by 12News claim that 22-year-old Dre Lewis allegedly ran a red light and struck the Alvarez vehicle. The impact ejected the toddler from the car and he was impaled by the chain-link fence along the pedestrian bridge.
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The child and other passengers were rushed to the hospital. Court records reveal the child suffered a broken neck, spinal fractures and will possibly be paralyzed if he survives the injuries.
As of Thursday, the child was still hospitalized after undergoing surgery.
Debbie Alvarez died in the hospital from her injuries. Denise Alvarez said her sister's boyfriend was also in the car and taken to the hospital.
12News received the following statement from Denise Alvarez:
"Debbie left a lasting impression on everyone. She lived a wholesome life despite all the challenges and troubles. She was a great mother and always did what she could for her kids. She leaves behind 2 beautiful daughters and 2 sons. They were truly her life. She is now in a better place with our mom and dad leaving me behind to continue this life without her. She was loved and will continue to be loved by everyone who got to know her."
Court records show Lewis allegedly tried walking away from the crash before an off-duty police officer detained him. Officers reported detecting the odor of alcohol on the driver's breath. Records also claim Lewis had a blood alcohol content of .2, more than twice the legal limit.
Police also said the car Lewis was driving was stolen from his mother. The documents claim his mother reported it stolen and told police her son took it without her permission.
Lewis was released from the hospital and booked into the Maricopa County jail. Police said he's facing charges of manslaughter and extreme DUI.
The Alvarez family has created a GoFundMe page to raise money for funeral costs and medical expenses.
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