A 47-year-old man was killed Friday night after a pickup truck hit him as he crossed the street outside a crosswalk in Phoenix’s Maryvale neighborhood, according to police. The collision happened around 9:30 p.m. near 43rd Avenue and Whitton Avenue, just south of Indian School Road.
Arizona's Family reports that officers arrived to find the man unresponsive and the driver of a black Dodge Ram waiting at the scene. The pedestrian was taken to a hospital, where he later died. Investigators told the outlet the driver stayed on site, showed no signs of impairment and that speed did not appear to play a role. Detectives said the pickup was heading north on 43rd Avenue when it struck the man outside a marked crosswalk. His name has not yet been released so relatives can be notified.
Maryvale Location and a Troubled Corridor
This latest death adds to a run of serious pedestrian collisions in west Phoenix and along the Indian School Road corridor, an area local outlets have repeatedly flagged for severe injuries. Recent Maryvale pedestrian crashes have underscored the risks on these wide, fast-moving streets and the concentration of serious incidents. Residents and safety advocates have long pointed to broad lanes, limited marked crosswalks and poor lighting as chronic problems at intersections in the neighborhood.
Federal Money, Local Fixes on a Slow Timeline
The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the City of Phoenix about $24.96 million through its Safe Streets and Roads for All program to fund the “ReVISIONing Indian School Road” project. The effort is intended to add crosswalks, lighting, medians and signal upgrades along the corridor. According to U.S. Department of Transportation grant documents, the money covers improvements between 91st and 39th avenues. Design and construction are still in early phases, and some pieces of the overhaul are not expected to be built for years. Local officials say the project should cut long-term risk, although it will not bring immediate changes to the 43rd Avenue and Whitton Avenue intersection.
How to Help Investigators
Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has video from the area to contact Phoenix police. Tips can be reported to Crime Stop at 602-262-6151 or anonymously to Silent Witness at 480-948-6377, according to the City of Phoenix.
