Tucson Crosswalk Tragedy Claims Lives of Three University of Arizona Students
TUCSON, Ariz. — A late-night accident near the intersection of North Euclid Avenue and East Second Street, adjacent to the University of Arizona campus, has left three students dead and a community reeling. The collision occurred late on the night of October 30 or early October 31, 2025, when a speeding vehicle struck a group of pedestrians lawfully crossing in a marked crosswalk.
According to Tucson Police, the pedestrians were Sophia Troetel, Josiah Santos, and Katya Castillo Mendoza, all undergraduate students at the University of Arizona. The trio had been walking home from a nearby gathering when the driver, reportedly traveling well above the posted speed limit, failed to stop for the crosswalk.
Witnesses told investigators that the car was moving “too fast for the area,” a zone well-known for its high pedestrian activity. Despite the presence of crosswalk signals and streetlights, the driver continued through the intersection, striking all three victims before fleeing the scene.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes, finding Troetel and Santos unresponsive. Castillo Mendoza was rushed to Banner-University Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Despite extensive medical intervention, she later passed away at the hospital.
Police have since confirmed that the suspected vehicle was a dark-colored sedan, possibly a late-model Nissan Altima or Toyota Camry, with front-end damage consistent with a high-impact collision. Detectives are currently reviewing surveillance footage from nearby traffic and business cameras in hopes of identifying the driver. No arrests have yet been made.
University officials released a statement expressing deep sorrow for the loss of three of their own. “This is an unspeakable tragedy that has shaken our campus to its core,” said UA President Dr. Robert Robbins. “Sophia, Josiah, and Katya were beloved members of our academic community, each contributing in unique and lasting ways. Their absence will be deeply felt.”
Friends of the victims have begun organizing memorials both online and on campus. A candlelight vigil was held near the site of the crash, where hundreds gathered holding flowers and photos. Messages written in chalk along the sidewalk read “Forever Wildcats” and “You are loved.”
Sophia Troetel, 20, was studying biomedical engineering and was known for her volunteer work at the university hospital.
Josiah Santos, 21, was a business major with dreams of starting his own company and mentoring local youth.
Katya Castillo Mendoza, 19, was pursuing a degree in psychology and was described by friends as compassionate and endlessly encouraging.
The Tucson Police Department’s Traffic Investigations Unit continues to urge anyone with information about the vehicle or the driver to come forward. They emphasize that even small details—such as a partial plate number or a sighting of a damaged car—could help bring closure to grieving families.
As the community mourns, one thing is clear: this intersection, once just another part of campus life, now stands as a solemn reminder of three bright lives taken far too soon.
