Troy Garlock Obituary, Death -The community is rallying in support of the Garlock family following a tragic car crash that claimed the lives of 42-year-old Troy Garlock and his 8-year-old daughter, Elsie. The collision occurred on February 3 near the intersection of Val Vista Drive and Southern Avenue in Mesa. According to police, a wrong-way driver in a stolen vehicle caused the fatal accident.
Troy was pronounced dead at the scene, while Elsie succumbed to her injuries later that day. Another daughter, 6-year-old Mabel, who was also in the backseat, survived the crash and is recovering from multiple broken bones. The driver of the stolen Ford F-250, 29-year-old Damarya Dakembe Zyberi, also died at the scene. A third driver in a Nissan Sentra sustained only minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.
Zyberi, who had stolen the truck from Gilbert, had a criminal record, including a 2018 conviction for sexual abuse and criminal trespassing in Tempe, for which he received probation. Police reported that the stolen vehicle was traveling north on Val Vista Drive when it crossed the centerline and collided head-on with the Garlock family’s Nissan Armada, which was heading south.
The Garlock family, formerly residents of Gilbert, had moved to Linden after selling their home last year. Despite relocating, they frequently traveled back to the Valley to visit Troy’s parents and the children’s cousins. At the time of the accident, Troy was reportedly on his way back home.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the community has expressed an outpouring of love and support. A GoFundMe campaign launched by a relative has raised over $84,000 from approximately 640 donors, with a goal set at $110,000. The funds are intended to help the family navigate the difficult path ahead.
Troy Garlock was remembered as a devoted father and loving husband. A statement on the fundraising page described him as a man of “unwavering love, strength, and dedication,” who always put his family first and led with kindness and compassion.
Elsie was cherished for her vibrant personality and joyful spirit. Kassidi Sasser, a dance instructor at CanDance Studios in Gilbert, fondly recalled her as “a ball of spunk and energy” who brought joy to everyone around her. “8 years old is too young,” Sasser wrote in a heartfelt post, adding that she would be holding her students “a little tighter” in the wake of the loss.
Mabel, who survived the crash, recently underwent surgery and is recovering with multiple fractures. Her recovery is being closely monitored, and the community continues to send prayers and well wishes for her healing.
Social media has been flooded with tributes and condolences for the Garlock family. Laura Cutchen Palmer, a friend, praised the family’s resilience and love. “I watched as a wife never gave up and continued to fight the fight alongside Troy. I was so proud of that and was so honored to know them,” Palmer shared. She expressed heartbreak for Julie Garlock and her surviving children, who now face life without Troy and Elsie.
The family were known members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Show Low. Their faith community has also extended prayers and support in the wake of the tragedy.
The crash has left a lasting impact on the community, prompting discussions about road safety and the dangers of reckless driving. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
The Garlock family’s story is a somber reminder of how quickly lives can be altered by unforeseen events. In times of tragedy, communities often come together to provide solace, compassion, and practical support. The outpouring of financial and emotional assistance from friends, neighbors, and even strangers highlights the enduring spirit of compassion that emerges in difficult times.
The loss of Troy and Elsie has left an indelible mark on those who knew them and even those who are simply moved by their story. As the family navigates this heartbreaking chapter, the collective support of their community will undoubtedly serve as a source of strength and comfort.
In conclusion, the fatal crash on February 3 in Mesa has deeply affected the Garlock family and the broader community. While Troy and Elsie’s lives were tragically cut short, their memories live on through the love and stories shared by those who knew them. As the investigation continues, the community’s focus remains on supporting the grieving family and honoring the lives lost.