MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — An Arizona husband and wife were tragically killed in a head-on crash just a few months shy of their first wedding anniversary.
"They were amazing together," Adam Stithem told 12News about his brother and sister-in-law. “Just nothing but full of love and joy.”
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The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said 33-year-old Taylor Stithem and 36-year-old Sara Papila were traveling eastbound on Hunt Highway near McQueen Road Thursday night when a pickup truck crossed the center line and crashed head-on with the couple.
The driver, a 47-year-old man, was suffering from a medical condition which deputies believe may have led to the crash.
Adam Stithem is still processing the sudden loss of his younger brother.
“All I could say is 'no'. I couldn’t believe it," Adam Stithem said. "They were just coming home that night."
He said his brother was an upstanding man, husband and stepfather.
"Hardworking family man, loved getting outdoors," Adam Stithem said.
Stithem told 12News his sister-in-law was creative and worked on several projects for others in the community. The couple hosted movie nights for kids in their apartment complex, according to Stithem.
"She was a great person, huge heart," Adam Stithem said.
Adam Stithem said Taylor Stithem and Papila will be remembered for their love of one another and their generosity to others.
“We just love and we’re going to miss them so much," Stithem said.
The family created a GoFundMe page to help pay for memorial expenses and raise funds for their daughter. Donations can be made here.
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