PHOENIX — The driver responsible for a fatal motorcycle crash has been arrested after showing signs of driving while impaired, police said. 19-year-old Tucker Jon Colby was killed in that crash.
Colby's family has organized a donation drive to cover funeral expenses. You can click here to visit the GoFundMe page.
Phoenix police officers responded to a crash at 51st Avenue and Union Hills Drive around 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning.
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According to reports, a woman was driving southbound when she ran a red light to make a left turn in the path of a group of four motorcycle riders.
Colby and another rider were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Colby later died at the hospital, while the other rider is still receiving treatment for his injuries, officials said.
The third man's injuries were minor, police said. Likewise, a fourth rider was able to avoid the crash and remained on the scene.
Authorities identified the woman as 33-year-old Jaimie Renee Arce and said she appeared to be impaired when officers made contact with her. Arce was arrested and booked into jail.
Colby's friends and family held a vigil near the scene of the crash so that those close to him could share memories.
His friend Jeremy Behie says Colby had his whole life together and that he was planning to be an EMT pilot and was almost done with school.
"I was speechless, numb, I didn't know the human body could do that much damage to a vehicle and that is terrifying," Behie said.
He was in disbelief seeing the amount of damage done in this crash that ended his 19-year-old buddy's life.
"We normally try to ride at night and get off the road before the bars let out because we don't want to have something like this happen but this was an exception because it was raining and it was nice out so they just kept riding," he added.
Behie stressed that each of the riders always goes in groups and wears as much safety gear as possible.
"We wear all of our gear, gloves, jackets, close-toed shoes, long pants, high socks, helmets, everything we possibly can to keep us safe," he explained.
He shared that one of the other riders who was injured is in good spirits but did suffer a broken leg. Sadly, no one will heal from the heartbreak stemming from this tragic loss.
"This kid had it down, he was like, I want to fly and I want to save people and unfortunately they couldn't save him," Behie said.
Arce faced a judge Monday. She's facing multiple charges including aggravated assault and manslaughter.
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Deaths on Arizona roadways:
Data from the Arizona Department of Transportation shows that roadway fatalities have been gradually rising in Arizona over the last decade:
- 2011: 825 deaths
- 2012: 821 deaths
- 2013: 844 deaths
- 2014: 774 deaths
- 2015: 895 deaths
- 2016: 952 deaths
- 2017: 1,000 deaths
- 2018: 1,010 deaths
- 2019: 982 deaths
- 2020: 1,057 deaths
Driving Safety Tips:
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) offers driving tips to help keep people safe on the road.
"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website.
ADOT's suggestions include:
- Don’t speed or drive aggressively
- Never drive while under the influence of substances
- Avoid distractions while driving
- Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same
- When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over
- Stay extra aware in work zones
- Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous
"Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT," the department said.