A teenage girl was killed Tuesday night after a vehicle hit her in west Phoenix, with police saying suspected driver impairment is part of the investigation. The collision happened around 8:30 p.m. on Lower Buckeye Road near 75th Avenue, and the driver stayed at the scene while officers and crash investigators responded.
According to 12 News, Phoenix police said the teen was crossing mid‑block when a westbound vehicle struck her. Phoenix Fire crews took her to a nearby hospital, where she later died. Detectives were interviewing witnesses and collecting physical evidence as part of an active fatal‑collision investigation, police told the station.
Crash Site and Local Context
The crash forced lane closures along Lower Buckeye Road while first responders worked the scene and investigators photographed and documented the area. The city’s police media advisories list multiple fatal‑collision investigations along Lower Buckeye in recent years, underscoring a stretch that has seen recurring serious wrecks. The archived notices and contact information are available through the department’s Phoenix Police media advisories page.
Potential Legal Consequences
If investigators ultimately determine the driver was impaired, prosecutors could seek DUI‑related charges or more serious counts, depending on the evidence and whether they can show recklessness. Arizona law defines driving under the influence under the Arizona Legislature section ARS 28‑1381 and defines manslaughter as a class 2 felony under Arizona Legislature section ARS 13‑1103, statutes that can come into play if impairment is established.
What’s Next
Police say the investigation is ongoing and that no arrests or charges had been announced as of the latest update, according to 12 News. Anyone who may have information or dash‑cam video from the area is asked to contact Phoenix Police media relations through the department’s Phoenix Police media advisories page.
