Derrick Coleman Killed in Car Accident in Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona—Two SUVs collided at 35th Avenue and Thunderbird Road shortly after noon on Friday, claiming the life of Derrick Coleman, age 24.
 
A Ford Explorer driven by a 51-year-old man was at the traffic signal on Thunderbird waiting to turn left onto 35th Avenue when a Honda Odyssey driven by a 28-year-old on Thunderbird Road entered the intersection as the light turned red. Derrick was a passenger in that car. 

The Explorer was unable to avoid a collision with the Odyssey, which was pushed into a light pole. The two occupants of the Odyssey were transported to a nearby hospital. The driver suffered serious injuries and remains hospitalized. 

Accident investigators suspect impairment may be a factor in the cause.  A search warrant was served to obtain the driver’s blood for testing.

The man in the Explorer was not injured and stayed on scene during the investigation.

We extend our condolences to Derrick Coleman’s family and friends over this tragic loss.