GILBERT, Ariz. - A driver crashed into a Gilbert restaurant on Tuesday morning, resulting in the driver's death, the police department reported.

The incident occurred near Ray and Cooper roads on May 14 around 10 a.m. Tragically, police revealed that the driver died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Employees at Dragon Wok Fine Chinese Restaurant are now left to pick up the pieces after the devastating crash.

Michael Szeto, a family member who set up a fundraiser, expressed the hardship the business is facing: "We don’t know how long we will be unable to run our business. Now we have the daunting task of putting the business back together. We have been in business for 19 years and this breaks my heart to see my family's business like this."

On Tuesday morning, it was business as usual for employees and customers at the strip mall.

"I was foiling hair," said Ashlee McKinnon, owner and stylist at ERA Salon.

The tables were set next door at Dragon Wok, a family-owned business and a beloved Gilbert spot, ready to open its doors until McKinnon heard a massive crash.

"We actually thought something fell off the roof," she recalled.

Instead, a car had crashed into Dragon Wok. While the vehicle has been removed, the damage and shattered glass remain.

The debris is being cleared, and the walls have been boarded up.

"This is not just damage," said Sam Szeto, the owner of Dragon Wok. "It's really a mental stress."

For Sam and his wife, the restaurant is more than a business; it's a cherished place loved by the community.

"Just painful. Really painful," Sam said.

With an empty kitchen and dining room, Sam is determined to pay his staff and reopen the restaurant.

Many customers stopped by on Tuesday night to have dinner, but Sam, emotionally, had to turn them away.

"It’s hard, I’m trying to be strong. Damage is damage, OK? But the guy, no. Life is important," Sam said.

As the community rallies around Dragon Wok, efforts to restore the restaurant are underway. The Szeto family hopes to overcome this tragic setback with the support of their loyal customers and friends.

Local businesses and community members have started to organize fundraisers and donation drives to help Dragon Wok rebuild and reopen. "The outpouring of support has been incredible," said Michael Szeto. "It's moments like these that remind us how strong our community is. We're grateful for every bit of help and every kind word."

In the meantime, the Szeto family is focusing on maintaining their connection with their customers and ensuring that their employees are taken care of during this challenging period. Despite the physical and emotional toll, they remain hopeful and committed to bringing Dragon Wok back to its full glory.