Parents of Elias Bizzle Seek Justice on Somber Anniversary of Hit-and-Run Tragedy

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Bizzle family commemorated the tragic death of their son, Elias, with a poignant vigil at the very crosswalk where he was killed by a hit-and-run driver exactly one year ago.

Surrounded by friends, family, and local residents, they gathered to call for justice and accountability during this painful anniversary. “This will never go away,” reflected Elbert Bizzle, Elias’s father. “They say time heals all wounds, but not for us.”

The heartbreaking incident unfolded last year as 13-year-old Elias rode his bike home alongside friends. According to the Glendale Police Department, a truck struck him at the crosswalk located at 47th and Northern avenues before fleeing the scene. After spending 12 harrowing days on life support, Elias succumbed to his injuries.

His mother, Victoria Bizzle, expressed the deep sorrow accompanying their loss. “It’s the worst thing to go through,” she stated, emphasizing the profound impact of the tragedy.

A straight-A student and avid sports enthusiast, Elias’s memory was honored not just by family, but also by peers who attended the vigil. The gathering served as a stark reminder of the young life lost too soon.

Two days following the accident, authorities apprehended the suspected driver, identified as 27-year-old Joshua Holbert. After turning himself in, he pleaded not guilty despite admitting his involvement to police, with a prior history of reckless driving further complicating the case.

As the community seeks justice, there is also a strong demand for change in local policies regarding traffic safety. The Bizzle family is advocating for increased safety measures at the intersection where Elias was killed and more stringent penalties for hit-and-run offenders. “I just want to try and prevent it as much as we can because this has been the worst year of my life,” Victoria lamented, focusing on the urgent need for reform.