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Pamela Hesselbacher, 35, killed, two children injured, and driver arrested in pedestrian crash at Ray Road and College in Chandler, Arizona

Modified Date: 
Mon, 05/27/2019 - 2:22pm
Accident Date: 
Saturday, November 12, 2016

Mom killed, 2 kids critical after being struck by car in Chandler crosswalk

Chandler police say a mother has been killed and her two young children are in critical condition after they were struck by a car while crossing the street in a crosswalk.

It happened Saturday at around 5:30 p.m. near Ray Road and College.

Driver Arrested After Chandler Accident Kills 1, Injures 2

Chandler police say 39-year-old William Joseph Epperlein has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury or death while driving on a suspended license.

Chandler PD releases name of mom killed crossing street with her 2 children

She is 35-year-old Pamela Hesselbacher, according to Chandler police.

Her two children at last word were in critical condition. At the time of the accident, the 3-year-old was on a bicycle and the 2-year-old was in a stroller.

Child released from hospital following crosswalk crash in Chandler

A 3-year-old boy injured in a crash last Saturday in Chandler has now been released from the hospital, according to an online update provided by the family.  The latest update on the GoFundMe page shows promising news for a grieving family.

After a serious or fatal pedestrian accident, take these steps to help the recovery process

When someone is seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, the first days and weeks are spent getting medical treatment and dealing with the new reality of injuries, pain, lost work, and disruption to normal life. When someone dies in a collision with a vehicle, family members are forced to deal with grief, anger, and loss as they struggle to move forward.

After a serious or fatal pedestrian collision, an injured person, or the family left behind, incur damages including the cost of current and future medical expenses, lost work and wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Go here to learn how to protect the rights of pedestrian accident victims and their families.

Type: Pedestrian Accident
People Involved: 
William Joseph Epperlein
Pamela Hesselbacher
Roadway: 
Ray Road and College
City: 
Chandler, AZ
County: 
Maricopa County, AZ
Area: 
Phoenix, AZ

Comments

Submitted by D Strickland on Tue, 11/15/2016 - 9:07am
Unfortunately, he won't receive a very harsh punishment, if any. This is the daughter and grandkids of one of my very best friends. Their family is shattered. Epperlein faces *up to* 6 months in jail, a *possible* fine, and *may* be responsible for restitution of medical bills. He has a long history of traffic violations - including more than one DUI, including an Extreme DUI, but they were all plead down to Reckless Driving - and has never truly faced any serious penalties for his complete and utter lack of respect for the law. He never even was booked into jail, he was released because he is 'not a flight risk or a danger to the public', according to police. I'd say he IS danger to the public, he has killed a wonderful person. Pamela and her kids were crossing in a marked crosswalk, with the light, and Epperlein ran the red light and struck them. He hit them so hard, Ryan and Pamela lost their shoes, the stroller Audrey was in was shattered, and Ryan's helmet (which saved his life) has a big chunk missing. There is a big dent in the front end of Epperlein's truck. Our system will fail this family.

Submitted by Therese M. on Fri, 11/18/2016 - 6:55pm
I am so sorry for your loss and am heartbroken about this horrible tragedy. I drive by Ponderosa nearly everyday and am brought to tears when I pass by the memorial. I pray for baby Audrey and all the Hesselbacher family and their friends.

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