The Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) is seeking more information from the public after a teenager was assaulted outside of a local Halloween house party Saturday night in the area between Ocotillo Road and Chandler Heights Boulevard and Sossaman and Hawes roads. The Combs High School junior died from what is being reported as "a severe brain injury" Monday afternoon at Phoenix Children's Hospital.
A GoFundMe account that was started for the victim, Preston Lord, 16, says the teen was attacked at the party Saturday night and died Monday afternoon at the hospital from his injuries.
Preston's aunt, Melissa Lord, started the GoFundMe HERE for his medical, funeral and memorial expenses that has (of this post) raised $57,246 of the $60,000 goal set, after 934 donations (since this post the goal has been extended to $75,000 with $67,223 raised from 1,100 donations), with a single top donation of $1,100. She wrote on the page:
"My name is Melissa and I am Preston's auntie. First, thank you from the entire Lord family for all of the prayers, messages and love everyone has been sending. It is impossible to get back to everyone, but please know the messages are all read and mean so much. While we can't begin to fathom why something like this would happen to Preston, we know and see each day how much he is loved and the impact he has had on so many.
"Preston was assaulted Saturday night at a Halloween party. His heart stopped and CPR was performed by kids at the party who stepped in to attempt to save Preston's life until emergency personnel arrived. They were able to restart Preston's heart and he was taken to Chandler Regional Hospital. He was then transferred to Phoenix Children's in extremely critical condition with a severe brain injury.
"We know so many have been asking how they can help or what they can possibly do. We hope this site will be able to update everyone and a place people can post messages we will be reading to Preston. Please keep sending prayers and love to Nick, Autumn and Tatum.
"Thank you for loving Preston and for your support, The Lord Family
"*UPDATE- our sweet Preston passed away this afternoon (Monday, Oct. 30) surrounded by those that love and are going to miss him so much. We have no words for the support and love we have been shown. Thank you for loving us and our boy. As memorial service information unfolds I will be sure to post it."
A QCPD Facebook post is asking the public for any video that shows people or vehicles in the area between Ocotillo Road and Chandler Heights Boulevard and Sossaman and Hawes roads between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Oct. 28.
"If you have any video that may help, please email QCPDInvestigators@
This story is developing and will be updated as more information comes in from the QCPD.
UPDATE from the QCPD this afternoon obtained by the Queen Creek Sun Times reads:
"The Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) is currently conducting a death investigation of a juvenile related to an incident that occurred on Oct. 28.
"On Oct. 28 at 9:07 p.m. QCPD received a call to the non-emergency line in regards to a juvenile disturbance in the area of Via del Oro and 194th Street. Officers responded to the area and located a number of juveniles leaving the area; no illegal activity was observed. Within a few minutes, the officers on scene were diverted to a high-priority call with a potential crime in progress.
"At 9:49 p.m. QCPD received a 911 call in regards to an assault in the area of 194th Street and Via Del Rancho. Officers arrived on scene in approximately three minutes. QCPD discovered a juvenile victim in the roadway of that area and administered life-saving efforts. He was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. On Monday, Oct. 30 he passed away in the hospital. Due to the age of the victim, the name of the victim is not being released by QCPD.
"As part of the investigation, QCPD requested video from surveillance or doorbell cameras that may have captured footage within a half-mile radius of this area, between the hours of 6 and 10 p.m. on Oct. 28.
"No arrests have been made. QCPD is continuing the extensive and active investigation, including awaiting the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s findings.
"If you have any information regarding the incident, including video, please contact QCPD at QCPDInvestigators@QueenCreekAZ.gov or call 480-358-3500."
