Roberto Manriquez, Jr. and Alexandria Mendez Killed in Truck Accident in Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona—Roberto Manriquez, Jr., age 25, and Alexandria Mendez, age 8, were killed on Friday afternoon when a semi-truck crossed the center line and collided with the Ford F-150 they occupied. Phoenix Police Department accident investigators report that the semi-truck was westbound on Buckeye Road when it swerved into oncoming traffic and struck the Ford F-150 pickup near 69th Avenue. 

Mr. Manriquez and Ms. Mendez died at the scene.  Two other passengers in the pickup, a 28-year-old woman and a 3-year-old boy, were transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.  The driver of the semi-truck was unhurt, as was the driver of another pickup involved in the collision.

The semi-truck driver reportedly told police that a mechanical failure caused the big rig to swerve into oncoming traffic.

No additional information presently is available.

We extend our condolences to the Mendez and Manriquez families and friends at this time of great loss for them.  We wish speedy and full recoveries for those who were injured.