On Tuesday June 7, 2016, around 10:20 p.m., Tucson Police Department officers were patrolling in the area of South 6th Avenue near West Oklahoma Street when they observed a collision involving a pedestrian. Officers immediately began rendering aid to those involved and summoned paramedics. Members from the Tucson Fire Department responded to the scene a short time later. An adult male pedestrian was transported to Banner University Medical Center with serious injuries. The male later succumbed to injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The adult female driver of the vehicle was not injured.
Detectives from the Tucson Police Department Traffic Investigations Unit responded to the scene to continue the investigation. They learned the driver of a 1991 Chevrolet van (ice cream van) was northbound on 6th Avenue approaching West Oklahoma Street when she struck the pedestrian, who was utilizing crutches, crossing 6th Avenue from west to east in the middle of the block. The driver remained on scene and cooperated with investigators. Speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in this collision. No citations were issued.
The pedestrian has been identified as 39-year-old Basil Eleando. Next of kin have been notified.
Traffic fatalities in Tucson are down from 24 to 21 year to date. with pedestrian down 2 and motorcycle up 3.