William Curran Killed, Woman Injured in Motorcycle Accident in South Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona—William Curran, age 56, died as a result of injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident that occurred on Sunday evening.

According to investigators with the Phoenix Police Department, Mr. Curran was operating his motorcycle near 48th Street and Baseline Road. A 59-year-old woman was a passenger on the motorcycle. As Mr. Curran entered the intersection, a vehicle driven by Thane Dennison turned left into the path of the motorcycle.

Mr. Curran and his passenger were thrown from the motorcycle. Both were taken to a local hospital, where Mr. Curran was pronounced deceased. His passenger is in extremely critical condition with multiple broken bones, brain bleed, collapsed lung and internal bleeding.

Following the accident, Mr. Dennison was booked on counts of aggravated assault and manslaughter. He reportedly had cocaine in his system and a blood alcohol concentration of 0.20, nearly three times the legal driving limit. A search of Mr. Dennison's vehicle revealed two empty 1-ounce bottles of Fireball, an empty bottle of Corona and an open can of Budweiser.

Mr. Dennison has prior convictions for DUI, reckless driving and was driving on a revoked license. He also reportedly was involved in a hit-and-run accident in 2014.

We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Curran over this tragic loss, made worse by the reckless actions of another. We also wish his passenger a complete recovery.