88-year-old woman dies after driver crashes into senior living home

GILBERT, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) - An elderly woman has died after a pickup truck driver crashed into a senior living home late Friday night.

According to Gilbert police, the crash happened just before 10 p.m. as calls came in about a collision at the American Orchards Senior Community, located near Lindsay and Guadalupe roads.

A large hole could be seen in the side of the building after the crash, and authorities said 88-year-old Mary Lillian Haapala was found dead inside.

“We are saddened by this tragic loss of life and extend our deepest condolences to her friends, family, and loved ones,” said police in a statement.

The suspected driver of the truck, who was later identified as 33-year-old Joshua Michael Degolier, took off from the scene, but police said he was located a short time later and taken into custody.

Degolier was booked on charges of second-degree murder, failing to remain at an accident scene with death or serious injury and failing to render aid to a person involved in a crash.

While the investigation is underway, authorities believe impairment was a factor in the collision.