Phoenix family mourns man killed by speeder and accused of driving under the influence

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A Phoenix family is mourning the loss of their husband, father and friend after a suspected drunk driver speeding on his motorcycle struck them on Sunday.

The moment Brittane met her best friend Craig Cooper, she knew he was her soul mate.

“He just makes me laugh. He brings out the best in me. He just knows when I'm sad. He knows what to say,” Brittane said.

This summer they celebrated their 9th wedding anniversary in Jamaica. But now she is experiencing the unimaginable.

Brittane said Craig texted her from a gas station saying he would be home soon to watch a movie with her. She fell asleep and woke up to find Craig never came home.

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Craig was involved in an accident on eastbound I-10 near 39th Avenue at around 1:30 a.m. Police said 22-year-old Andrew Perez was speeding at 140 mph before colliding with Craig.

According to DPS, Perez drove another mile before his car caught fire.

“He was there all alone. He left him there! He left him a mile away. How can you do something like that?” Brittane said.

Records show Perez's blood alcohol content was twice the legal limit and he had an open bottle of alcohol in his car. Perez also had previous charges of driving under the influence and speeding since July. He now faces a charge of second-degree murder.

“He (Perez) ruined our lives forever. We had a wonderful family and he tore it apart. And when I say I'm angry, I'm so angry. I can't even look at him,” Brittane said.

Although the pain is almost unbearable, Brittane finds strength in having her two little boys carry on their father's legacy. She said Craig is excited to start a new business soon and they plan to celebrate their 10-year anniversary.

The family has started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses. If you would like to donate, click/tap here.

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