By Chorus Nylander
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TUCSON, Arizona (KVOA) — Tucson is mourning the devastating loss of three University of Arizona students who were killed in a hit-and-run crash last week. Many students are urging changes at the crosswalk where the crash occurred, seeking increased safety measures.
The victims were identified as 21-year-old Sophia Troetel, 22-year-old Josiah Santos and 21-year-old Katya Castillo Mendoza. Tucson Police have arrested 19-year-old Louis John Artal, charging him with three counts of second-degree murder and one count for leaving the scene. Police reported that Artal was impaired at the time.
A group of students is advocating for significant changes at the crosswalk located at Second Street and Euclid Avenue near University Avenue.
Throughout the day, a memorial at the crosswalk has been growing. Students and the mother of one of the victims are calling on city leaders to enhance safety measures at this crossing.
“He was a beautiful soul and so were all three of these people,” University of Arizona student Elijah Thum said.
Thum expressed his grief over the loss of his friend Josiah Santos along with Sophia Troetel and Katya Castillo Mendoza. All three students were struck by a car at the crosswalk on Thursday night.
“They were innocent lives taken way too soon, from this civil engineering nightmare that we stand in front of,” Thum said.
Tucson Police indicated that Artal turned himself in after fleeing the scene. Thum and others believe the crosswalk is inadequately lit at night.
“We’d just really would like something done about this intersection, it’s not the first time but it’s certainly the worst that we’ve seen in a long time,” said Fallon Oddo, who initiated a Change.org petition demanding a HAWK crossing at the location. The petition has garnered more than 8,500 signatures.
“By implementing another one of the over 130 HAWK crossing stations that are in the city it would make a tremendous difference,” Oddo said.
In a letter to News 4 Tucson, Josiah’s mother, Hope Santos, stated: “This is about a community that has cried out for safety in this area — a community that has lost too much, too often, to preventable tragedy. We call on city leaders to act now, before more families suffer.”
Tucson City Councilmember Karin Uhlich, who represents the area, said, “Of course we should look at that, of course we should. We have to learn anything we can from the tragedy.”
Uhlich acknowledged the high traffic volume near the university and suggested a HAWK crossing might be a viable solution, despite the existing crossings on Euclid Avenue.
“If we can avert tragedies like this we should go above and beyond,” Uhlich said.
The City Department of Transportation reported only a minor bicycle crash at the crossing from 2020 to 2024. However, in response to the tragedy, they plan to add a new signal at the intersection. For Thum, fixing this problem has become his mission.
“This is some fire and fuel I will use for the rest of my life, because Josiah Santos was my friend,” Thum said.
City Councilwoman Uhlich intends to address the safety issue during the City Council meeting on Nov. 18. Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation will expedite planned improvements, including a new signal, expected to be completed by spring 2026.
Here’s the statement from the Department of Transportation and Mobility:
Dear Honorable Mayor Romero and Members of the City Council,
In response to the tragic event that took place on Thursday evening at the intersection of Euclid and 2nd Street, DTM has prepared the statement below in consultation with the City Manager’s Office. This statement will be provided to members of the media who have requested information about the incident.
Statement
The incident that occurred at Euclid Avenue and 2nd Street last week is a heartbreaking tragedy. The City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM) grieves with the community over the loss of three lives and extends our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected.
The safety of the traveling public is always our highest priority. DTM will continue its commitment to making Tucson’s roadways safer for everyone, especially bicyclists and pedestrians, our most vulnerable users of the transportation system.
According to crash data between 2020 and 2024, there was one non-injury bicycle and pedestrian incident reported at the intersection of Euclid and 2nd Street. However, future improvements, to ensure safety of all travelers in the corridor, have been in the planning phase since 2023 for this intersection, including the following:
A new traffic signal with red/yellow/and green indications for north and south traffic on Euclid Connection to a future 2nd Street Bicycle Boulevard Separate bicycle and pedestrian crossing paths for east/west travel Turn restrictions: South to east turns will be permitted for access to parking garage on 2nd Street
This will be a dedicated signal to stop traffic on Euclid for Bikes and Peds that wish to cross 2nd Street Right turn only for east and west travel. North to west turns prohibited (existing condition)
The project plans are complete, and the next step will be securing a contractor for construction. This project is part of a package of six locations where signalized pedestrian crossings will be installed. The package was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The six locations are:
Euclid and 2nd Street Prince and Los Altos Ft. Lowell and Geronimo Grant and Coyote Speedway and 2nd Street Speedway and Belvedere
This package of projects could take up to 12 months to complete construction. DTM is prioritizing the location of Euclid Avenue and 2nd Street in light of the tragic events last week. Construction should begin this calendar year with an expected project completion of Spring 2026. Additionally, interim improvements are planned at Euclid Avenue and 2nd Street that include refreshing all signs and striping, inspecting street lighting for functionality and the consideration of flashing amber beacons. These improvements will be implemented beginning this week.
Please contact Director Credio directly if you have any questions or need more information.
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