Sunday turned tragic on Mesa's east side when a motorcyclist was killed after a collision with a vehicle, according to Mesa police. The rider was rushed to a local hospital and later pronounced dead. Investigators temporarily shut down the area near Crimson Road and Southern Avenue while emergency crews worked the scene and documented the crash.
Crash Details
According to 12News, Mesa police said the collision happened near Crimson Road and Southern Avenue and that traffic was restricted in all directions while crews responded. The rider was taken to a nearby hospital and later pronounced dead, officials said. Mesa police have opened an investigation into the crash.
Motorcycle Deaths In Mesa
Motorcycle crashes have been a major share of Mesa's traffic deaths in recent years. The City of Mesa's 2024 crash report found motorcycles were the fatal unit in 16 of the city's 34 deadly crashes in 2024 and noted that motorcycle fatalities have climbed sharply over the last five years.
Statewide Numbers Tell A Similar Story
Statewide data echo that trend. The Governor's Office of Highway Safety reports that motorcycle fatalities rose from 167 in 2021 to 227 in 2022. The agency says the spike has helped drive more grant-funded rider training and awareness efforts that focus on enforcement, education and training in hopes of cutting those numbers.
What Police Are Saying
Mesa police have not released the rider's name and have not announced any charges tied to the crash. Investigators remained at the scene late Sunday, and officials did not immediately release additional details.
