The driver of the Coupe failed to stop for a red light at the intersection of Irvington Road and collided with a Toyota Tundra
Tucson, AZ – A 58-year-old man was killed in a multi-vehicle collision that happened on an Interstate 19 frontage road on Tucson’s south side on Friday evening.
According to a news release by the Tucson Police Department, the wreck took place at around 7 p.m. December 20, on I-19 at Irvington Road.
Investigations revealed that a man was driving a 1953 Chevrolet Coupe southbound on the I-19 frontage road when he went between two lanes of traffic and sideswiped a Chevrolet.
The driver of the Coupe failed to stop for a red light at the intersection of Irvington Road and collided with a Toyota Tundra.
According to TPD, the man behind the wheel of the Coupe was killed in the accident. Authorities identified the driver as Heriberto Gonzalez, 58.
The other involved drivers were not injured in the accident.
Authorities said mechanical failure is suspected to have played a role in the incident. The Tucson Police Department is still investigating the crash.
Arizona has seen a modest reduction in overall traffic accidents over the last two years, yet roadway fatalities continue to pose a serious public safety concern. In 2023, the state recorded 122,247 motor vehicle crashes, resulting in 1,307 deaths. The following year showed a slight improvement, with total crashes declining to 121,107 and fatalities dropping to 1,228—marking a 6.1% decrease in traffic-related deaths year over year.
While this downward shift is encouraging, the figures for fatal and severe injury crashes remain close to record highs, underscoring persistent challenges in traffic safety across Arizona. Excessive speed, impaired driving, and the failure to use seat belts and other safety restraints are consistently identified as leading causes of deadly and life-altering collisions. Although statewide safety initiatives, emergency response improvements, and public awareness campaigns are actively working to reduce these dangers, Arizona’s highways and city streets continue to experience a substantial number of serious accidents each year.
If you have lost a loved one in a Tucson accident, you can learn more about your options by visiting our car accident ttorney page.