Son, granddaughter of Pinal County sheriff die in crash Friday in Gilbert

A man and infant child killed Friday afternoon in a crash involving a suspected impaired driver in Gilbert have been identified as the son and granddaughter of Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, according to Gilbert police.

“It is with heartfelt sadness to report the identity of the 22-year-old male in (Friday’s) fatal collision on Elliot and Cole to be that of Cooper Lamb, Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb’s son, and his infant grandchild— both passengers of the vehicle,” police said.

Names of the victims were released Saturday.

Cooper Lamb, 22, and the year-old child, Lainey, were declared dead at the scene.

The female driver of their car, Caroline Patton, 20, Cooper’s fiancée and mother of the child, is hospitalized in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, police said.

According to Gilbert officers, a truck traveling west on Elliot Road near the intersection of Cole Road struck the sedan traveling east at about 3:45 p.m. Friday as the car was making a left turn.

The driver of the truck, Brian Torres, 21, was not injured but was arrested on suspicion of impairment, Gilbert police said.

“We are truly humbled and touched by the outpouring of love from our family and friends/community. We cannot thank you enough,” Sheriff Lamb said on his Facebook page. “Our hearts are broken but we are comforted in your love and the love of God and Jesus Christ.

“We are praying for our precious Caroline who is still in critical condition.

“We would also like to express our gratitude for those citizens and first responders who rendered aid to our son Cooper and our granddaughter. God bless you all!”

A GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses has been set up. Those interested in donating may click here.

Statements of condolence to the sheriff quickly poured in.

“The thoughts and prayers from the people of Maricopa are offered to the family during this time of shock and tragedy,” Maricopa Mayor Nancy Smith said. “May God’s comfort and healing surround them with love.”

Teresa Martinez, Arizona District 16 representative and Republican House Whip, said she is “broken-hearted for our sheriff and his family. Like all parents, the love for your child and grandchild is a pure love, a deep love, an everlasting love, and to lose that love is a horrible hurt and pain to have to endure. Please join me in praying for Sheriff Lamb and his wife, Janel, and his entire family for strength during this extremely difficult time. May the souls of their son and granddaughter rest in peace.”

Arizona U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema said she is “deeply shocked and saddened to learn of this devastating loss to Sheriff Lamb’s family. All of Arizona is sending our love, strength and condolences to them in this unimaginable time.”

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey offered, “This is heartbreaking. Something no parent should go through. My prayers go to Sheriff Lamb, his wife Janel and their family.”

Gov.-Elect Katie Hobbs said she is “sending thoughts, love and prayers to Sheriff Lamb and his family.”

Gilbert Mayor Brigette Peterson said it hits her particularly hard because she knows the sheriff.

“My heart breaks when any family loses a loved one in Gilbert. In this case, I know Sheriff Lamb personally,” Peterson said. “My thoughts and prayers go out to the sheriff and his family at this tragic time.”