Phoenix, December 16, 2025
A man operating a motor wheelchair was killed in a traffic collision in west Phoenix on Sunday night. The incident at McDowell Road has raised concerns over pedestrian safety, especially for individuals using mobility devices. An investigation by the Phoenix Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Unit is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of pedestrian safety in cities ranked among the deadliest for pedestrians.
Phoenix
A man operating a motor wheelchair was tragically killed in a traffic collision in west Phoenix on Sunday night, December 14, 2025. The incident, which occurred at the intersection of 60th Lane and McDowell Road around 9:38 p.m., has prompted an investigation by the Phoenix Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Unit and once again brings local pedestrian safety into sharp focus.
Details of the Fatal Collision
Authorities responded to the scene shortly after the crash, where they found the man in the motor wheelchair in critical condition. Emergency medical services from the Phoenix Fire Department transported him to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Preliminary information gathered by investigators suggests that the man in the motor wheelchair was attempting to cross northbound on McDowell Road outside of a designated crosswalk when he was struck by a vehicle. The driver of the car involved in the incident remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement officials. The driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was also taken to the hospital. Police have indicated that impairment was not a factor on the driver’s part.
Investigation Underway by Vehicular Crimes Unit
The Phoenix Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Unit (VCU) has taken over the investigation into the fatal collision. This specialized unit is responsible for investigating all traffic fatalities and serious injury collisions within the City of Phoenix. The presence of the VCU at an investigation does not automatically imply that a criminal act has occurred, as they examine both criminal and non-criminal traffic incidents.
Investigators from the VCU will meticulously process the scene, gathering critical evidence to determine the exact circumstances that led to the crash. This process often takes several hours and involves a thorough examination of the accident site, vehicles involved, and any available witness statements. The resulting Arizona Crash Report, which details the officer’s assessment, driver information, and accident specifics, may take several months to finalize, particularly if the collision is not criminal in nature.
Broader Context: Pedestrian Safety in Phoenix
This tragic incident underscores ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in Phoenix, a city that has consistently been ranked among the deadliest in the United States for pedestrians. While pedestrian death rates in the city had surged in recent years, peaking at 117 in 2022, more recent data from Phoenix Police indicated a decline, with 80 pedestrian deaths reported by mid-December 2024.
Official investigations often highlight challenges related to pedestrian behavior. In 2024, police found pedestrians to be at fault in approximately 85% of fatal collisions. Specifically, data from the first four months of 2024 showed that out of 39 pedestrian deaths, 29 involved individuals crossing mid-block or walking, standing, or laying in the roadway. An additional four deaths were attributed to pedestrians crossing at signalized intersections against the light.
In response to these persistent safety issues, the City of Phoenix launched its comprehensive Road Safety Action Plan in September 2022. The city has also adopted the guidelines of the Vision Zero nonprofit, a national initiative with over 50 partner cities in the U.S. dedicated to eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries. These efforts aim to improve street design, enhance public awareness, and promote safer behaviors among both pedestrians and motorists.
Vulnerability of Mobility Device Users
Individuals using mobility devices, such as motor wheelchairs, face unique vulnerabilities in traffic environments. They often experience lower visibility to drivers and may have limited access to pedestrian paths or safe crossing points, making them more exposed to potential collisions. Even seemingly minor impacts can result in severe or fatal injuries due to their exposed position.
Driver responsibility plays a crucial role in preventing such incidents. Motorists are expected to maintain constant awareness of their surroundings and exercise extreme caution, particularly in urban areas where pedestrians and individuals using mobility devices are likely to be present. Awareness campaigns often emphasize the shared responsibility of all road users to ensure safety for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in west Phoenix on Sunday night?
What happened in west Phoenix on Sunday night?
A man operating a motor wheelchair was tragically killed in a traffic collision in west Phoenix on Sunday night, December 14, 2025.
Where and when did the crash occur?
Where and when did the crash occur?
The incident occurred at the intersection of 60th Lane and McDowell Road around 9:38 p.m. on Sunday.
What are the preliminary findings regarding the crash?
What are the preliminary findings regarding the crash?
Preliminary information suggests that the man in the motor wheelchair was attempting to cross northbound and not using the crosswalk when he was struck by a car. The driver remained at the scene, was not impaired, and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Who is investigating the incident?
Who is investigating the incident?
The Phoenix Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Unit (VCU) has taken over the investigation.
What are the broader pedestrian safety concerns in Phoenix?
What are the broader pedestrian safety concerns in Phoenix?
Phoenix has consistently ranked among the deadliest U.S. cities for pedestrians. While pedestrian death rates had surged, recent data shows a decline. Pedestrian behavior, such as crossing mid-block or against traffic signals, is often cited in investigations. The city has implemented a Road Safety Action Plan and adopted the Vision Zero program to address these issues.
Key Features of the Fatal West Phoenix Pedestrian Crash
| Feature | Detail | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Incident Type | Fatal traffic collision involving a motor wheelchair and a vehicle | Local |
| Date and Time | Sunday night, December 14, 2025, around 9:38 p.m. | Local |
| Location | 60th Lane and McDowell Road, west Phoenix | Local |
| Victim | Man in a motor wheelchair (fatally struck) | Local |
| Driver Status | Remained at scene, not impaired, sustained non-life-threatening injuries | Local |
| Preliminary Finding | Man in motor wheelchair was crossing northbound and not using the crosswalk | Local |
| Investigating Agency | Phoenix Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Unit (VCU) | City-level |
| Phoenix Pedestrian Safety Ranking | Consistently among the deadliest U.S. cities for pedestrians | Nationwide |
| City Safety Initiatives | Road Safety Action Plan, Vision Zero program | City-level |
Now Happening on X
- @FOX10Phoenix (December 16, 2025, 2:00 AM): FOX 10 Phoenix reports a nightly roundup including an evacuation in Globe due to decades-old grenades, a Mesa report on park rangers investigation, and other top local stories. View on X
- @FOX10Phoenix (December 14, 2025, 2:00 AM): FOX 10 Phoenix covers top stories such as an armed man appearing at a Phoenix home front door and a mass shooting at a university leaving at least two dead. View on X
- @FOX10Phoenix (December 13, 2025, 10:30 PM): Phoenix is experiencing a gas price war alongside a beloved pharmacy closure, with Sky Harbor Airport upgrades and a new Superstition Freeway project addressing growth and traffic. View on X
- @FOX10Phoenix (December 13, 2025, 3:30 AM): The city of Phoenix is launching a major effort to streamline emergency response by integrating behavioral health assistance into the 911 system starting December 15. View on X
- @FOX10Phoenix (December 13, 2025, 7:30 PM): Phoenix is initiating a streamlined emergency response program, embedding behavioral health support in the 911 system effective December 15 to better serve community needs. View on X
- @FOX10Phoenix (December 10, 2025, 2:00 AM): FOX 10 Phoenix’s nightly roundup includes deadly crashes on Valley freeways and discussions in Scottsdale about school closures, highlighting key local developments. View on X
- @azcentral (December 11, 2025, 9:30 PM): Azcentral offers a guide to resources and support for life in Phoenix, providing essential information for residents facing various community challenges. View on X
- @backusduo (December 10, 2025, 4:01 PM): A parent reports their daughter’s three-car accident at 19th Ave and Indian School in Phoenix, noting the other drivers fled without providing information despite 911 guidance. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Significant Incidents Reported in Phoenix Over 48 Hours
Individual Dies in East Phoenix Car-Pedestrian Crash
Surge in Traffic Incidents Rocks Phoenix Area
Tragic Collision in Mesa Claims Lives of Two, Including Child
Interstate 10 Partially Closed After Hit-and-Run Crash in West Phoenix
DPS Uses Grappler to End High-Speed Chase in Phoenix
Multiple Rollover Crashes in Phoenix Result in Injuries and Fatalities
Three Injured in Scottsdale Multi-Vehicle Crash
Tragedy Strikes University of Arizona Community
Recent Pedestrian Fatalities Raise Concerns in Phoenix
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX 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.
