A 13-year-old boy, Sasha Balandin, died after being struck by a vehicle in Farmington, Minnesota, on July 14. Four people were arrested on July 22; a 30-year-old man faces suspected criminal vehicular homicide and failing-to-stop charges, while three others are accused of aiding an offender. Two GoFundMe campaigns have raised more than $34,000 to support Sasha's family, and the investigation remains ongoing.
13-Year-Old Killed in Farmington Hit-and-Run; Four Arrested, One Faces Vehicular Homicide Charge
Sasha BalandinCredit: GoFundMe
A 13-year-old boy, identified by his family as Sasha Balandin, was killed in a hit-and-run while riding his bicycle in Farmington, Minnesota, on July 14. Local authorities and the boy’s family announced that four people were arrested in connection with the incident on July 22.
Arrests and Charges
Police have not publicly released the suspects' names. Local news outlets report the four arrested include a 30-year-old man, a 28-year-old woman, a 36-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman. The 30-year-old is suspected of criminal vehicular homicide and of failing to stop at the scene of a traffic accident resulting in death. The other three are accused of aiding an offender, according to reporting from Fox 9 and other outlets.
What Happened
According to media reports, Sasha was riding his bicycle with a friend and attempting to cross a road near a McDonald’s when he was struck. KSTP reported that Sasha was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the collision and each person's role.
Family, Community Response and Fundraising
Two GoFundMe campaigns were launched to support Sasha’s family after the tragedy; combined they have raised more than $34,000. One fundraiser organizer described Sasha’s interests and personality: 'Sasha loved fishing and was always asking to go. He loved mountain biking, collecting old coins, Pokémon, and cooking—often surprising his family by making them something special. He dreamed of becoming a mechanic one day and hoped to live on a farm.'
'He was laughing all the time, playing all the time, goofing around all the time, just pure joy to have him,' Sasha’s father, Evgeniy Balandin, told CBS.
Sasha is survived by his parents, a younger sister and an older brother. Local law enforcement said the investigation remains active as they work to gather evidence and clarify the events that led to the crash.
Note: This report is based on family statements and local news reporting (CBS News, KSTP, Fox 9). Charges are described as suspected or alleged pending formal filings and court proceedings.
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