Early Wednesday morning, September 16, 2026, a collision on the Mesa freeway claimed the life of a grandmother and left two family members with injuries. The incident occurred when a vehicle stopped on the highway to change a tire was struck by another driver who police say is suspected of being impaired.
Arizona State Troopers responded promptly to the scene, securing the area and providing emergency medical assistance. The injured family members were transported to a local hospital for treatment, while the deceased was identified only as a grandmother who was part of the group changing the tire.
Investigators have focused on the driver of the striking vehicle, who is believed to have been under the influence at the time of the crash. The suspect’s identity and condition have not been released, and police are gathering evidence to determine the exact circumstances leading to the collision.
The crash highlights the risks associated with performing vehicle repairs on an active freeway. State troopers reiterated the importance of using appropriate safety measures, such as warning triangles and reflective devices, and advised motorists to move to the shoulder or a safe location whenever possible.
The investigation remains active, and authorities have not announced any arrests. Further details will be provided as they become available, and the incident continues to be a focus of the ongoing traffic safety efforts in the Mesa area.