The loss of Crystal Marie Cruz has left family members and friends grieving after a tragic crash in midtown Tucson that claimed her life on a busy Wednesday afternoon.
Authorities said the crash happened around 2:30 p.m. on June 3 at the intersection of Stone Avenue and Drachman Street. Emergency crews from the Tucson Police Department and Tucson Fire Department rushed to the scene after reports of a serious two-vehicle collision.
Investigators identified Crystal Marie Cruz, 34, as the driver of a 1995 Dodge Neon involved in the crash. Cruz and her front-seat passenger both suffered critical injuries and were taken to a local hospital for emergency treatment.
Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Cruz died shortly after arriving at the hospital. Her passenger was also seriously injured. According to police, the passenger was thrown from the vehicle during the violent collision.
The preliminary investigation found that a 2015 Toyota Highlander was traveling south on Stone Avenue and attempting to make a left turn onto Drachman Street. Detectives said the SUV entered the intersection on a yellow traffic signal while making the turn.
As the Toyota turned, it was struck by the northbound Dodge driven by Cruz. The impact caused severe damage and led to the devastating injuries suffered by those inside the Dodge.
Witnesses told investigators that Cruz had been moving between lanes, swerving through traffic, and traveling well above the posted 30 mph speed limit before the crash. Detectives also said neither Cruz nor her passenger appeared to be wearing seat belts, which investigators believe increased the severity of their injuries.
Police reported that the driver of the Toyota, a 41-year-old woman, was not injured. A passenger riding in the SUV received treatment at the scene for a minor injury.
A Tucson Police Department DUI officer determined that the Toyota driver was not impaired at the time of the collision. Investigators said medical records may help determine whether alcohol or drugs played any role in Cruz’s condition before the crash.
Detectives believe two factors contributed to the collision. They cited the Toyota driver’s failure to yield to oncoming traffic while making the left turn and Cruz’s driving behavior leading up to the crash. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing evidence and working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the deadly incident.
