According to DPS, the incident happened at about 8:45 a.m. on December on the westbound Loop 202 near the 32nd Street on-ramp. First responders reported to the scene after receiving reports of a major multi-vehicle collision.
Phoenix, AZ — The authorities have released the identity of a motorcycle rider who died in a collision involving seven vehicles on Loop 202 in Phoenix on Tuesday morning.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) identified the deceased motorcyclist as Christopher Cartheuser, a 41-year-old resident of Tempe.
According to DPS, the incident happened at about 8:45 a.m. on December on the westbound Loop 202 near the 32nd Street on-ramp. First responders reported to the scene after receiving reports of a major multi-vehicle collision.
Emergency crews found Cartheuser pinned underneath a white van and helped pull him out. Cartheuser was transported to a nearby medical center, where he died.
One other patient, a woman from another vehicle, was also taken to the hospital with unspecified injuries.
According to DPS, a preliminary investigation showed that an SUV was slowing for heavy traffic when the motorcycle, operated by Cartheuser, rear-ended the vehicle. Upon the impact, Cartheuser was ejected from his bike and was hit by a utility van, according to DPS.
The westbound Loop 202 at 40th Street was shut down for several hours as crews worked at the scene. The roadway reopened just before noon.
The deadly collision remains under investigation.
Crash Data for Phoenix
According to the 2023 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report compiled by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), the City of Phoenix recorded 36,927 total crashes in 2023. These incidents included a significant number of injuries and fatal collisions, with at least 10,300 injury crashes and hundreds of fatalities reported citywide.
Statewide data from ADOT shows that overall motor vehicle crashes across Arizona decreased slightly in 2024, dropping from 123,256 total crashes in 2023 to 121,107 in 2024, with 1,228 traffic fatalities on all roadways in 2024 — a 6.1% decrease from the previous year. While this figure covers the entire state rather than Phoenix alone, it reflects broader trends impacting urban areas like Phoenix, which continues to contribute heavily to the state’s crash totals.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, speaking with a skilled wrongful death and car accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights during this difficult time. An attorney can guide your family through the claims process, protect your interests, and pursue compensation for your loss. Reach out today for compassionate legal support and a free case evaluation.