Rollover Accident on US-70 Near Safford Kills Three: Mason Gann, Kade Nelson and Emmett Darnell

Safford, Arizona—A rollover accident on US-70 has killed three people. According to investigators with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, a van rolled over on Friday at around 10:00 p.m. The accident occurred near Eden, a small community situated between Safford and Globe. According to investigators, the van was traveling eastbound when it traveled into the westbound lane and rolled.

The van belonged to Eastern Arizona College (EAC) and passengers included high school students from an automotive class offered through the Gila Institute for Technology. The students apparently were returning from the NHRA Arizona Nationals held in Chandler.

The deceased victims include:

• Mason Gann, age 16 (Pima High School)
• Kade Nelson, age 16 (Thatcher High School)
• Emmett Darnell, age 17 (Duncan high School)

Another student was air evac'd to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center while five students and an adult were transported to the hospital by ambulance for treatment.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation, but impairment does not appear to be a factor.

We offer our condolences to the families and friends of Mason Gann, Kade Nelson and Emmett Darnell. We wish speedy and complete recoveries to those who were injured.