Phoenix: Father Mourns Pregnant Daughter and Unborn Son After Boyfriend Allegedly Runs Red Light

A 13-Second Red Light

David Potts, a Navy veteran and single father, is mourning the loss of his 19-year-old daughter Leila Potts and her unborn son Vincent after a fatal crash in Phoenix over Father's Day weekend.

Phoenix police said the vehicle Leila was riding in drove into an intersection without stopping. The crash occurred just after 11:30 p.m. June 20 near 19th Avenue and a Loop 101 frontage road.

Two Lives Lost

Leila Potts was in the passenger seat when her boyfriend, Lance Endicott, allegedly ran a red light and collided with another vehicle. Medics delivered Vincent early at the hospital, but both mother and child died shortly after.

"Two lives cut short for something ridiculous and careless," David Potts wrote in a statement.

David Potts described his daughter as "a bright, funny, beautiful person." He said she had no mean bone in her body and always tried to put a smile on people's faces.

The Driver

Lance Endicott, 19, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the hospital. Phoenix police said impairment did not appear to be a factor in the crash. No charges have been filed yet, but the investigation is ongoing.

According to David Potts, police told him Endicott could face misdemeanor charges. Potts questioned whether that would be enough given the consequences.

"I know he's experienced loss, too. She loved him so much. That's why it is so hard, knowing this is his fault," David Potts said.

David Potts said Endicott had totaled three cars in two years. Friends had repeatedly urged him to drive more safely. Arizona court records show Endicott has no arrests or convictions for driving offenses.

A Life Interrupted

Leila Potts was working at the Home Depot Distribution Center in Phoenix the night she was killed. She had just graduated from an online high school around 2024.

Her pregnancy was unplanned but very welcome. Ultrasound images indicate Vincent was at least six months old. David Potts posted the images on Facebook in March, announcing he was going to be a grandparent.

"So I guess I'm officially getting old because I'm going to be a grandparent," David Potts wrote. "CONGRATULATIONS Leila Potts and Lance Endicott."

The family held a baby shower for Leila on June 1. She was going to name her son Vincent.

A GoFundMe for Funeral Costs

Family members set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses. Friend Zachary Zaremba wrote on the page that the heartbreak and shock have left the family reeling.

"As David faces the unimaginable pain of losing his daughter and grandson, he is also confronted with the financial burden of funeral costs," Zaremba wrote.

David Potts said his 13-year-old daughter lost her "best friend" in the crash.

"The cost is more than he will ever understand," David Potts said of Endicott. "Thirteen seconds after [the light turned red]."