News Summary
A tragic accident on Saturday night resulted in the death of Juan Vasquez, 46, after being struck by a vehicle at 83rd Avenue and Camelback Road. The driver, Alex Burks, has been cited for DUI. The community is calling for increased pedestrian safety measures in light of the incident. The Phoenix Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, underscoring the importance of road safety for both drivers and pedestrians.
Phoenix – A tragic collision occurred late Saturday night, resulting in the death of 46-year-old Juan Vasquez. The incident took place around 11:20 PM at the intersection of 83rd Avenue and Camelback Road.
According to reports from the Phoenix Police Department, Vasquez was found by officers suffering from critical injuries after being struck by a vehicle. He was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The driver involved in the incident has been identified as Alex Burks, 48, who was driving northbound on 83rd Avenue at the time of the incident. Eyewitness accounts indicate that Vasquez was attempting to cross the northbound lanes of 83rd Avenue just south of Camelback Road when he was hit.
Following the accident, Burks was processed and cited for driving under the influence (DUI). The police are currently conducting an investigation, and a formal charging decision regarding Burks will be made once the investigation concludes. As of now, no additional information regarding the circumstances leading up to the crash has been disclosed.
Details of the Incident
The collision took place during a busy time of night, creating significant concern among local residents about traffic safety in the area. While the police continue to gather information, they have not released specifics regarding whether speed or other factors may have contributed to the accident.
Community Response
The community has expressed sorrow over Vasquez’s death, with many residents calling for increased awareness of pedestrian safety in busy intersections. Advocates for pedestrian rights have emphasized the importance of safe crosswalks and proper signage in high-traffic areas to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Background Context
Pedestrian accidents have been a growing concern in urban areas across the United States, including Phoenix. Statistics from various safety reports indicate that pedestrians are often at great risk, especially in intersections where vehicle traffic flows without sufficient caution. The presence of DUI incidents further exacerbates the dangers faced by pedestrians.
In recent years, local authorities have implemented campaigns to promote safe driving and to reduce instances of driving under the influence. These campaigns often include community awareness programs aimed at educating both drivers and pedestrians on the importance of vigilance on the roads.
Authorities advise that anyone who witnesses or has information about pedestrian incidents should report details to the police, as this information can be vital in understanding circumstances and implementing changes to prevent future accidents. While the investigation into the collision involving Juan Vasquez is ongoing, the community remembers him and reflects on the implications of road safety in Phoenix.
Further updates from the Phoenix Police Department are expected as the investigation progresses and additional details are gathered regarding the incident. The loss of Juan Vasquez serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety for both drivers and pedestrians alike.
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Additional Resources
- KTAR News: Driver Arrested DUI, Pedestrian Dead
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- ABC15: One Man Dead After DUI-Related Crash in Phoenix
- Google Search: Pedestrian Accidents Phoenix
- Fox 10 Phoenix: Pedestrian Identified in Deadly Phoenix Crash
- Google Scholar: Pedestrian Safety Initiatives
- 12 News: Man Hit and Killed by Truck Driver Processed for DUI
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- KTAR News: Driver Arrested in Fatal Collision
- Google News: DUI Crash Phoenix

Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.