On Saturday, August 10th, at 11:48 p.m. the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office received several 9-1-1 calls related to a single vehicle rollover crash at North Mountain Vista Boulevard and West Morgan Lane, in San Tan Valley.
When deputies arrived, they found modified lifted golf cart rolled over onto its side. Lying near the golf cart was 16-year-old Julieann Arancel. Julieann had been a passenger standing near the driver in the golf cart prior to it rolling over. The golf cart rolled after the driver of the golf cart attempted to make a right turn onto West Morgan Lane from North Mountain Vista. Julieann fell out of the vehicle after it rolled and her head struck the asphalt and then the golf cart landed on top of her. Julieann was treated at the scene first by deputies, then emergency medical technicians before she was transported to Banner Ironwood Hospital. Julieann was pronounced deceased at 1:17 a.m. Sunday morning.
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Unit conducted the investigation and determined that the golf cart was taken without permission by one of the females involved as her father was out of town on vacation. There were a total of 9 individuals in the golf cart at the time of the crash. There were also several other juveniles running along side of the golf cart. The juveniles had taken the golf cart to a nearby Sonic and were traveling back to a residence just prior to the crash. Following the crash many of the juveniles fled the scene and had to be later located.
Alcohol and drugs are not a factor in this accident but rather an overloaded vehicle with an inexperienced driver was the cause. At the conclusion of the investigation, the case will be submitted to the Pinal County Attorney’s Office for review of possible charges against the driver.
The juveniles involved in this crash all attend Poston Butte High School. According to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, the school is planning to have counselors available today to assist the students as they return to classes.
Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, “This tragic case is a reminder of how quickly life can change. Julieann was a bright beautiful girl with her entire life ahead of her. All of these young men and women who decided to take a joyride last night in this golf cart have changed their lives forever. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Julieann Arancel.”
