On the evening of July 14, 2026, around 9:30pm, the unimaginable happened.
Thirteen year old Sasha Balandin tragically lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash while riding his bicycle in Farmington, Minnesota. Despite having a helmet on, and the heroic efforts of bystanders and first responders, Sasha passed away at the scene.
No parent should ever have to endure the heartbreak of losing a child. Today, Sasha’s parents, Evgeniy and Elena, his older brother Ivan, his younger sister Vera, and everyone who knew and loved him are left trying to navigate an unimaginable loss.
This fundraiser has been created with the family’s permission to help ease the financial burden during this incredibly difficult time. Donations will help with funeral and memorial expenses, time away from work, and the unexpected costs that come with losing a child so suddenly, allowing the family to focus on grieving and honoring Sasha’s beautiful life.
While Sasha was only 13 years old, he left an incredible impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
He had the kindest, most compassionate heart. 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.
Family was everything to Sasha.
He absolutely adored his older brother, Ivan, and looked up to him in every way. He wanted to be just like him. One of Sasha’s favorite parts of the day was when Ivan would pick him up from school and stop at the bodega so he could get his favorite horchata. At Ivan’s graduation, Sasha was happiest simply getting to spend time celebrating with his big brother and his friends. He was so proud of him.
Sasha also shared an incredibly special bond with his little sister, Vera. She wasn’t just his sister—she was his best friend. If their parents were working, Sasha always made sure Vera had something to eat. If there wasn’t food at home, he would even DoorDash something for her because taking care of her came naturally to him. He loved her deeply and was fiercely protective of her.
Sasha had a servant’s heart. If his mom had a headache or was feeling sad, he would stop what he was doing and pray for her. He genuinely wanted everyone around him to be happy and cared for. His kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew him.
Although Sasha’s life was tragically cut short, the love he gave so freely will never be forgotten. His memory will live on in every fishing trip, every mountain bike ride, every home-cooked meal made with love, every prayer offered for someone in need, and in the hearts of the countless people whose lives he touched.
If you are able, we humbly ask you to consider supporting the Balandin family during this heartbreaking time. No donation is too small, and every act of kindness is deeply appreciated.
If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser and keeping the Balandin family in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for surrounding this family with love, compassion, and support as they face the unimaginable.
**The investigation into this hit-and-run remains active. Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact the Farmington Police Department.