HERRIMAN — A Herriman family is grieving the loss of their 13-year-old son after a deadly crash early Saturday morning.
Police said the boy was one of three young teens inside a car that fled from officers late Friday night.
Father recounts tragic night
His father said the teen had been inside their apartment when he went to bed, and was unaware his son had left. Around 1:30 a.m., there was a knock at the door. Hours later at the hospital, he learned his son had died.
Family background and loss
The family, originally from Venezuela, came to Utah seeking a better life. Now, they are left heartbroken over the loss of their son, Luis Anderson Leon. His photo now sits in the front room as loved ones gather to remember him.
(Dan Rascon, KSL)
“We are destroyed. I feel in shock,” his father, Luis Anderson, said through interpreter Jorge Koufaa. “Deeply saddened by all this is happening.
Details of the police pursuit
The crash occurred just after midnight on Friday, at the intersection of Mountain View Corridor and Bingham Highway. Investigators said a South Jordan police officer spotted a Toyota speeding and driving recklessly and attempted a traffic stop. The driver did not stop, and officers called off the pursuit.
Moments later, the Toyota collided with an SUV driven by a 33-year-old man.
Luis was a passenger in the car along with two other teens.
Impact on the grieving family
His father said when he heard the knock at his door, he feared it could be immigration authorities and never imagined it would be someone informing him his son had been in a crash.
“I was in shock. I couldn’t understand what was going on,” he said. “It never crossed my mind that it could be the father to someone else to let me know that my kid had been in an accident with his kid.”
Community support for family
Members of Utahzolanos, an independent media group supporting Venezuelans in Utah, have been helping the family cope during this difficult time.
A tribute to Luis
Luis’s father describes his son as the light of their home — a bright and happy person.
“He was always bringing positivity, where ever he was going and whatever he was showing up at,” he said.
He also shared a message to other parents: cherish every moment with your children.
“It is hard to carry on when something like this happens,” he said. “Love your child, hug them, take care of them as much as you can, because in the blink of an eye, they can be gone.”
Police have not released the ages of the other boys in the car, but the father said they were 13 and 12 years old. He said none of the parents knew what was happening that night.
“What happened shouldn't have happened. They shouldn't have risked their lives by driving without parental consent. They weren't old enough to do it. This pain I feel is immense. I wouldn't wish this on any parent,” said Anderson in a fundraiser that's been created to help the family.
Click here for more info on the fundraiser.
Related: Family of Herriman woman killed in domestic violence incident speaks out, urges awareness
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