Julian Lugo-Estrada, 18, Dies in Fatal West Phoenix Car Crash
Fatal west Phoenix car crash death of Julian Lugo-Estrada
West Phoenix authorities reported that police were attempting to pull over a speeding vehicle on 91st Avenue and Buckeye Road around 1:30 a.m. on June 28. The driver, identified as 18-year-old Sergio Lara-Garcia, refused the stop and increased speed.
The pursued vehicle was observed entering westbound Interstate 10. A dispatched police helicopter followed the car. The pursuit continued until the vehicle reached the Dysart and Buckeye Road intersection. Police indicated the car lost control while crossing railroad tracks, subsequently crashing into a nearby store and igniting a fire.
Emergency responders, including officers and firefighters, arrived quickly to extinguish the blaze. Both the driver, Sergio Lara-Garcia, and a teenage passenger, Julian Lugo-Estrada, were transported to a hospital. Tragically, both individuals later succumbed to their injuries.
Phoenix police confirmed the deaths occurred after a vehicle, which had fled from law enforcement, crashed into a building in Avondale early Saturday morning, resulting in a fire.
A witness near the scene recounted the events: “I was preparing for bed when I heard this tremendous explosion,” they stated. “It sounded like a massive boom! It was frightening, but surprisingly, the entire structure didn’t go up in flames.”
Friends of the victims informed FOX 10 that Sergio Lara-Garcia and Julian Lugo-Estrada are step-brothers. Law enforcement has not officially confirmed this familial connection.
