Tyrik Jenkins Killed When Thrown from Truck Bed in Accident

Phoenix, Arizona—Six-year old Tyrik Jenkins died from injuries he received after being thrown from the bed of a pick-up truck involved in a collision.  The accident occurred Sunday morning at 40th Street and Broadway.  Fire crews from Tempe and Phoenix responded.

According to accident investigators, German Valdemar Godinez-Godinez, age 19, was headed south on 40th Street when he ran a red light and collided with a Ford Ranger that was turning left onto north 40th Street.  Godinez reportedly told police that his car’s visor obstructed his view of the traffic signal.

The Ford Ranger’s cab carried two adults, with a young child seated on the passenger’s lap.
All three children riding in the bed of the truck were ejected on impact.  One of the adults from the front cab and the three children riding in the truck bed were transported to a hospital in serious condition.  Tyrik, one of the children riding in the back of the truck, later died from his injuries.

Godinez reportedly admitted to police that he had consumed a “small bottle of whiskey, 12 beers and three doses of cocaine” between 4:30 P.M. Saturday and 10:30 A.M. Sunday when the accident occurred.   Godinez faces charges of manslaughter, DUI and aggravated assault.  His bond was set at $250,000, cash-only.

We extend our condolences to the family and friends of young Tyrik, and we wish speedy and complete recoveries to those who were injured.