News Summary
Authorities have identified an 18-year-old as the wrong-way driver in a fatal I-17 crash. The incident raised concerns about impairment and road safety following a head-on collision on the freeway.
Phoenix: Wrong-Way Driver Identified as 18-Year-Old in Fatal I-17 Crash
Authorities in Phoenix have identified the wrong-way driver involved in a fatal crash on Interstate 17 as 18-year-old Javayah Shecole Burkett from Glendale. The tragic incident occurred early in the morning on June 4, 2025, and has raised concerns about roadway safety and the potential role of impairment in such crimes.
The crash took place just after 3:20 a.m. when Burkett was reportedly driving northbound in the southbound lanes of I-17, near 7th Avenue. Within moments of the initial sightings of Burkett’s vehicle traveling the wrong way, she collided head-on with a pickup truck. The driver of the pickup truck, a 53-year-old man from Tolleson, was injured but fortunately sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Reports indicated that the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) received several notifications regarding a vehicle traveling the wrong way on the freeway shortly before the incident. The crash was reported less than two minutes after Burkett’s vehicle was first observed.
As a result of the collision, southbound lanes of I-17 were closed to facilitate the recovery of wreckage and conduct an investigation into the crash. Traffic delays became significant, extending onto I-10 as authorities diverted southbound traffic at the Durango Street exit. The freeway remained closed until shortly before 7:30 a.m. when crews finished their work and reopened the lanes.
Sergeant Eric Andrews from the DPS indicated that the medical examiner would examine the case to determine whether impairment played a role in Burkett’s driving behavior. Impairment is often a contributing factor in incidents involving wrong-way drivers, and authorities are taking this into account during their ongoing investigation.
This incident adds to a growing concern about wrong-way driving in Phoenix and other urban areas. Wrong-way driving often leads to fatal accidents, significantly impacting the lives of those involved and their families. Various measures, including improved signage and road markings, have been implemented on highways to help prevent wrong-way incidents. However, the challenges remain, prompting further discussions about what can be done to enhance road safety for all users.
As the investigation continues, the DPS is expected to provide further updates regarding the circumstances of the crash and whether charges will be brought against Burkett, even posthumously. The community grapples with the consequences of this tragic incident, emphasizing the critical need for increased awareness and prevention strategies against wrong-way driving.
In summary, the horrible event highlights the importance of vigilance and responsibility while driving, particularly during late-night hours when visibility and decision-making may be impaired. The story continues to evolve, and the DPS is committed to uncovering all details of this incident to prevent future occurrences.
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Additional Resources
- Fox10 Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- KTAR News
- Google Search: Wrong-Way Driving Causes
- AZ Family
- Google Scholar: Wrong-Way Driving Accidents
- ABC15
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- AZ Central
- Google News: I-17 Crash
