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75-year-old woman dies after being struck by dump truck in Tolleson

Tolleson police said the commercial dump truck was stopped at an intersection and drove forward while the woman and a 3-year-old child were crossing the street.

TOLLESON, Ariz. — A 75-year-old woman has died after being hit by a dump truck on Oct. 10 while she crossed a Tolleson roadway with a 3-year-old child, Tolleson police said.

The accident resulted in both of her legs being amputated from the waist down, police said. The family has identified the woman as Maria Miramontes.  

Family said Miramontes saved her great-granddaughter's life by pushing her out of the way before being hit by the dump truck herself.

Police said Wednesday that Miramontes had succumbed to her injuries. A decision on whether to file criminal charges against the truck's driver will be made after police receive the results from toxicology tests. 

The truck was reportedly heading west on Baden Street and had stopped at a stop sign at 93rd Avenue.

While stopped, police said the driver looked at paperwork and proceeded forward. 

However, police said that's when Miramontes was crossing the road. She was hit by the dump truck and taken to the hospital. Tolleson police said the driver did not see Miramontes. Impairment is also suspected in the crash, police said. 

Ernie Lopez, a neighbor, said he saw the incident and said Miramontes often takes a walk in the morning with the child, who family identified as Miramontes' great-granddaughter. 

"The truck hit her right there," Lopez said, pointing at the intersection. "I've seen worse things in Vietnam, but this is a little old lady." 

Family said Miramontes saved the great-granddaughter's life Monday by pushing her out of the way before being hit by the dump truck herself.

A spokesperson for Torrent, the dump truck company, called the situation 'tragic' and said the company is cooperating with police. 

A GoFundMe has been set up to assist the family with medical expenses.

Investigations are still ongoing, and details are subject to change. Stay with 12News as we continue to update this story with more information.

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