Leila Potts, 19, and her son, Vincent, died after a crash late Saturday.
PHOENIX, Ariz. — A father is mourning his pregnant daughter and newborn grandson after a Father’s Day weekend crash in north Phoenix that police said began when a car ran a red light.
Leila Potts, 19, was riding as a passenger late Saturday when the car crashed near 19th Avenue and Beardsley Road, according to Phoenix police. She was rushed to a hospital, where doctors delivered her son, Vincent. Both died soon afterward.
Police said the crash happened around 11:30 p.m. Investigators believe the car Potts was in entered the intersection against a red light and hit another vehicle. Police said they do not believe impairment played a role. Other details, including whether anyone else was hurt, were not immediately released.
David Potts said his daughter’s death and the loss of her baby have left the family stunned. “We just loved her beyond words. This is so unfair and horrible,” he said. He described Leila as bright, funny and beautiful.
David Potts said the baby’s father was driving the car. Phoenix police had not announced an arrest or charges by Monday, and the investigation was continuing. Detectives are expected to examine the crash scene, traffic signal timing and statements from people involved.
The deaths turned a holiday weekend into a public account of family loss. David Potts, a Navy veteran, said the crash took two lives in a moment he called careless and senseless. The baby, Vincent, survived delivery but died a short time later.
Authorities have not said when the next update will be released. As of Monday, the case remained with Phoenix police, and no final finding on fault had been made public.
Author note: Last updated June 22, 2026.