Family of victims in suspected drunk driving crash speaks out

After police say a drunk driver killed a mother and left a father in critical condition Friday, family members have a message for that driver.

It’s a phone call that you never want to receive.

“It was hard news when they told me that my mom was killed in a car accident and that my dad was flown to phoenix,” said Chris Patch the son of the victims.

Witnesses telling you what happened.

“She was at the scene holding my dad’s head and watched my mother take her last breath. So I want to say thank you for their help,” sad Celina patch the daughter of the two victims.

The married couple of 44 years were coming back home from a date on Friday night when they were rear ended by a suspected drunk driver.

66-year-old Maria Patch, a cancer survivor, who has already endured so much died at the scene. Her husband, 70 year-old John Patch, was flown to a Phoenix area hospital and remains in critical condition.

“He doesn’t know about my mom yet. I don’t think so. We don’t know yet,” said the daughter.

Police say the driver, 28-year-old Christopher Peirce , was driving a tow truck for Kennedy Towing and rear ended the Nissan that the couple was driving. When officers arrived they learned that pierce had fled the scene.

“Just looking at the distance where the first impact of the car was at and how it ended up all the way over here. I mean it’s just that itself tells you know why didn’t he stop,” said Chris Patch.

The suspected drunk driver was chased down by a good samaritan and later located between Avenue B and Somerton Avenue. Police say his blood alcohol level was more than two times the legal limit.

Peirce’s wife on Facebook wrote that her husband and father of two was on the job when the accident happened. She asks for prayers for all areas of the event.

The family has a message for Peirce , as well as anyone else thinking of getting behind the wheel after a few drinks.

“I pray for the family and I pray for him,” said Chris Patch.

“I feel sad for the wife and the children and the one on the way. I feel sad for them,” said Celina Patch.

Peirce is facing five charges including second-degree murder. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday.

New’s 11 went to Kennedy Towing to confirm whether Christopher Peirce was on the job. They declined to comment.

A GoFundMe account has been set up for the victims.