Phoenix — Leticia Favazzo, a 52‑year‑old mother from Glendale, died late Saturday night after her car stopped on northbound State Route 51 near Bell Road and was struck from behind, authorities say. Friends and family are now raising money to help her husband and two children cover funeral costs and daily needs as they navigate their grief.
Favazzo’s vehicle was stopped on the freeway just before midnight for reasons that remain unclear when a second vehicle hit her from the rear, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Emergency crews pronounced her dead at the scene. Investigators do not believe impairment was a factor in the crash, and the highway was shut down for several hours before reopening as the investigation continued.
Those who knew Favazzo said she was on her way home from work when the tragedy happened. She had spent more than a decade working at a restaurant in Scottsdale, where she rose from bussing tables to serving and built strong relationships with colleagues and customers. Friends remember her as someone who always lit up a room and made people feel cared for.
As word spread through the community, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support Favazzo’s grieving husband and children. The effort aims to ease the financial burden of funeral expenses and daily life while the family adjusts to their loss. People who knew her describe a devoted wife and caring mother whose presence brought joy to those around her.
In the days since the crash, messages of sympathy have poured in, with many recalling Favazzo’s warmth, her ready smile and the way she made others feel valued. Neighbors speak of long conversations, shared laughter and her role as a steady presence in their lives.
The investigation into the crash remains active, and authorities continue to review what led to Favazzo’s car being stopped on the busy freeway at that hour. Friends and family have expressed hope that any unanswered questions will eventually be clarified.
For those close to her, Favazzo’s absence is deeply felt. Her community continues to rally around her family, sharing memories of a woman who always put others first and brightened the lives of those she knew.
