Gold Canyon, Arizona, November 26, 2025
A section of U.S. 60 near Gold Canyon has reopened after a death investigation by the Mesa Police Department. The highway was closed for several hours, causing major traffic delays, but has since returned to normal operations without any ongoing threat to the community.
Gold Canyon, Arizona – U.S. 60 Reopens After Death Investigation
Gold Canyon, Arizona – A section of U.S. 60 near Gold Canyon was reopened late Tuesday evening following a death investigation conducted by the Mesa Police Department. The investigation led to the closure of both directions of the highway for several hours, causing significant traffic disruptions.
Investigation Details
On Tuesday afternoon, the Mesa Police Department’s homicide unit initiated an investigation into a death along U.S. 60 near Gold Canyon. The area was closed to traffic as law enforcement agencies, including the Mesa Police Department, responded to the scene. Aerial footage from the scene showed numerous unmarked law enforcement vehicles and two armored vehicles focusing on a dark-colored pickup truck with a camper shell. The Mesa Police Department confirmed that this was not an officer-involved shooting and characterized the situation as a death investigation. Authorities stated that there were no outstanding suspects and no threat to the community related to this incident. They indicated plans to release more information on Wednesday.
Traffic Impact
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) announced the closure of U.S. 60 in both directions near Gold Canyon due to the law enforcement situation. The closure led to significant traffic delays, with eastbound lanes reopening around 6 p.m. and the entire freeway fully reopening by 8:30 p.m. Drivers were advised to seek alternative routes during the closure.
Background Context
U.S. 60, also known as the Superstition Freeway, is a major east-west highway in Arizona, connecting the Phoenix metropolitan area to eastern parts of the state. The Gold Canyon area, located east of Apache Junction, is a popular destination for residents and tourists alike. The recent incident marks the second significant law enforcement situation on U.S. 60 in the past month. On November 1, 2025, a shooting involving Mesa police occurred on the freeway, leading to the hospitalization of a suspect and the closure of part of the highway.
The Mesa Police Department has stated that it will provide additional information regarding the current death investigation as it becomes available. Residents and travelers are advised to stay updated through official channels and exercise caution when traveling in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the closure of U.S. 60 near Gold Canyon?
The closure was due to a death investigation conducted by the Mesa Police Department’s homicide unit. The area was closed to traffic for several hours as law enforcement agencies responded to the scene.
Were there any suspects involved in the incident?
Authorities have stated that there are no outstanding suspects and no threat to the community related to this incident.
When did U.S. 60 reopen after the investigation?
Eastbound lanes of U.S. 60 reopened around 6 p.m., and the entire freeway was fully reopened by 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Is there any additional information available about the incident?
The Mesa Police Department has indicated plans to release more information on Wednesday. Residents and travelers are advised to stay updated through official channels.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | U.S. 60 near Gold Canyon, Arizona |
| Incident Type | Death investigation |
| Closure Duration | Approximately 5.5 hours |
| Reopening Times | Eastbound lanes at 6 p.m.; full reopening by 8:30 p.m. |
| Authorities Involved | Mesa Police Department, Arizona Department of Transportation |
| Community Impact | Significant traffic delays; no threat to public safety |
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