Two men have been sentenced to seven years in prison for their roles in a fatal street-racing crash the claimed the life of a 37-year-old whose truck was split in two at an Avondale intersection, authorities said Monday.

Jakari Barksdale and Emanuel Cervantez were racing in May 2021 at speeds more then 100 mph on South Avondale Boulevard near West Broadway Road.

Barksdale’s BMW struck a Ford F-150 that was turning through the intersection, according to a release from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

“The impact split the truck in two, killing the driver instantly,” the release stated.

Both men were 17 at the time of the collision. An investigation revealed the race was arranged by text message and recorded by bystanders, according to the MCAO released.

Witnesses and cellphone video confirmed Barksdale’s BMW and a Dodge Charger, driven by Cervantez, were racing side by side when the BMW collided with the truck. Cervantez fled the scene after narrowly avoiding the crash, officials said.

“This case is a stark reminder that street racing is not a game. It’s a crime with deadly consequences,” Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said.

Both teens were prosecuted as adults. Barksdale pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter and one count of aggravated assault. Cervantez pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter and one count of leaving the scene of a fatal accident, the release stated.

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