The victim, 53-year-old Rodger Stanley Loar, was fatally struck by an SUV while riding a motorized scooter through a Phoenix crosswalk Monday afternoon, prompting an ongoing police investigation into the cause of the crash.
Phoenix, AZ – A 53-year-old man was killed Monday afternoon after an SUV struck him at a busy uptown intersection, according to Phoenix Police. The deadly collision occurred as the victim was riding a motorized scooter through a crosswalk.
The incident occurred just before 1:30 PM on Monday, at the intersection of 7th Avenue and Missouri Avenue, south of Bethany Home Road. Authorities responded to reports of a pedestrian being hit and arrived to find the victim critically injured.
Investigators confirmed that the crash involved a motorized scooter and an SUV traveling north on 7th Avenue. According to early findings, the scooter rider—later identified as Rodger Stanley Loar—was moving westbound through the crosswalk when the SUV made a right turn and collided with him.
Paramedics treated Loar at the scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The driver of the SUV remained at the scene and cooperated with officers.
Phoenix Police noted that the investigation is ongoing, and any potential charges will be reviewed once the case is fully assessed. Traffic in the area was temporarily restricted as officers documented the scene and cleared debris from the intersection.
What Caused the Crash?
The exact cause remains under investigation, and officers have not yet determined whether speed, visibility, or right-of-way violations contributed to the collision. Police stated that impairment does not appear to be a factor in the crash.
Impact on Traffic
The intersection experienced traffic delays as police and emergency crews worked for an extended period to process the scene and restore normal roadway operations.
Pedestrian/Motorized Scooter Crash Statistics
Motorized scooter and pedestrian fatalities have been rising nationwide. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian deaths increased by 13% between 2020 and 2022, with more than 7,500 fatalities reported in 2022, the highest number in four decades.
In Arizona, pedestrian fatalities remain a significant concern. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reported 257 pedestrian deaths statewide in 2022, placing Arizona among the states with the highest per-capita pedestrian fatality rates. Many of these incidents occur in urban areas like Phoenix, where high-volume intersections increase the risk for those using crosswalks or alternative mobility devices.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you may need to get in touch with an experienced attorney immediately to find out how to proceed with your case. Our pedestrian accident lawyersprovide free consultations by phone, video call, or in person, and you will never owe any fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.