On February 3, 2020, six-year-old Holden Gardner was walking home from Falcon Hill Elementary School in Mesa, where he attended kindergarten. At the same time, at the corner of East Jensen Street and Power Roads, a semi-truck was making a right turn. Apparently, the driver cut the turn too close, because the trailer’s back wheels of the trailer went onto the curb and struck the little boy.

The truck involved was from West Valley Rock in Buckeye, Arizona. The driver of that truck did stop and cooperate with authorities. His name has not been released, and the investigation is ongoing.

Emergency medical responders arrived and transported Holden to the hospital in extremely critical condition. He died there as a result of his injuries.

Friends of the Gardner family established a GoFundMe page to help pay for Holden’s medical and funeral expenses. Additionally, members of the Mesa community have created a makeshift memorial for little Holden Gardner. The intersection where he was hit is decorated with toys, candles, notes and balloons.

Falcon Hill school officials have sent notes home to student’s parents about the incident. They are offering counseling to those who need it.

Holden’s parents are both teachers. His mother is a substitute teacher and his father teaches at Red Mountain High School. His students are also in shock and mourning. Holden also had a brother and two sisters.

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