Woman, 23, killed in hit-and-run while heading to barrel race competition, authorities say

SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. (AZFamily/Gray News) - An Arizona family is devastated after a hit-and-run claimed the life of a 23-year-old woman who was headed to a barrel race competition.

Kyrsten Sovereign, 23, was on her way to a barrel race competition Friday in San Tan Valley when the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office says a driver struck her car, causing an accident that killed Sovereign, then fled the scene.

The suspect, identified as 58-year-old Dave Gilbert Loescher is now in custody and faces multiple felony charges, including manslaughter, aggravated assault and reckless driving.

Witnesses told investigators that Loescher was driving erratically before he slammed into the back of the car Sovereign was riding in. The force of the impact launched Sovereign’s car into oncoming traffic, where it was struck again by an SUV.

Sovereign was killed in the crash, and a second person in the car was critically injured. Two other people were also hurt.

Authorities say Loescher left the scene after the crash. Detectives found him about 24 hours later with the help of license plate reader cameras and community tips.

Family remembers Kyrsten Sovereign

Sovereign’s uncle and guardian, Glenn Dotson, described his niece as someone whose impact could not be put into words.

“She was one of the greatest kids in the world,” Dotson said.

He recalled the last words he heard from his niece.

“The last word I heard was ‘I love you.’ I’ll never get to hear her say ‘I love you’ again,” he said.

Sovereign’s cousin, Amanda O’Neal, said the 23-year-old had a presence that filled every room she entered.

“She was loved by so many people, friends. When she came into a building, she’d light up the whole room,” O’Neal said.

Despite their loss, Dotson said the family is seeking justice but not revenge.

“We lost the greatest thing in the world, but we’re not vindictive,” he said.

The family said they are praying for Loescher, everyone involved in his arrest, the first responders who rushed to the scene and the three others still recovering from their injuries.

“She [Sovereign] might not be present here, but I can still feel her in my heart, even though it’s got a big hole in it,” Dotson said.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help Sovereign’s family with final expenses.