Joanne Wheaton Killed, Five Other Cyclists Injured After Tow Truck Runs Red Light

Flagstaff, Arizona—Joanne Wheaton, age 29 of Flagstaff, was killed on Friday evening while riding with a group of cyclists.

Accident investigators with the Flagstaff Police Department report that Ms. Wheaton was part of a group of cyclists riding southbound on Beaver Street. As the group reached Butler Avenue, a tow truck operated by Normand Cloutier and traveling westbound on Butler Avenue ran a red light and collided with six cyclists.

Ms. Wheaton was pronounced deceased at the scene. Four of her companions were transported to Flagstaff Medical Center for treatment of undisclosed injuries and one other rider declined ambulance transport.

Although the collision remains under investigation, the tow truck driver already has been charged with causing a death by a moving violation.

We offer our deepest condolences to Joanne Wheaton's family and friends. We wish the others involved speedy and complete recoveries.