Family of 19-year-old killed in Lake Pleasant car crash speaks out

PEORIA, Ariz. (FOX 10) - A Glendale family is mourning the loss of their loved one tonight. Brandon Windahl lost his life on Friday after the truck he was riding in crashed and went up in flames. Now, the family is remembering the young man they lost.

The family tells us that the 19-year-old was in the back seat of the truck when it caught fire. Everyone involved was able to escape the truck which was engulfed in flames but Brandon. And in just two weeks, he would have been walking the stage.

An unworn cap and gown now sits at the home of 19-year-old Brandon Windahl, who was set to graduate high school in just two weeks. Going to Lake Pleasant was a hobby for Brandon, who loved being outside.

"Everyday they would go to the lake and go fishing, hiking, or something outdoors," said Brandon's father, John. "He loved it."

On the way, the truck he was in was hit, catching fire. Everyone made it out except for him.

John says the memory he will cherish forever is the memory of being able to see his son's smiling face every single day. And how much he loved his bike, his family, and his friends.

"I told him I loved him yesterday and he told me he loved me back," said John. "He will be missed."

The accident is still under investigation. Meanwhile, the family is asking for the community to help them out. They've set up a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral expenses.