Arizona State Senate candidate killed in east Tucson crash Friday morning

On November 18, 2024By Littum

TUCSON, AZ – Arizona State Senate candidate John McLean died in a crash Friday morning in east Tucson.

According to a news release from Tucson Police, McLean was driving his 2019 Toyota Rav4 east on Broadway when his vehicle was struck by a 2018 Ford Explorer traveling north on North Ridgeside Drive.

The driver of the other car, 27-year-old Michael Martin Creel, allegedly failed to stop at the stop sign, the news release said.

Creel allegedly struck the passenger side of McLean’s vehicle as it passed the intersection. McLean was pronounced dead at the scene. Creel was not seriously injured.

Tucson police determined that Creel was impaired at the time of the crash. He was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and aggravated DUI.

Arizona State Democrats issued a statement at X, saying in part, “We send our deepest sympathies to John’s family and loved ones.”

We are devastated to hear of the passing of LD17 Senate candidate John McLean. He spent his final days fighting for a better Arizona, and we couldn’t be more grateful for his work and dedication to our great state. We extend our deepest condolences to John’s family and loved…

— Arizona Senate Democrats (@AZSenateDems) 15 November 2024

McLean is running for District 17 State Senate in the 2024 election. His opponent and newly elected Senator Vince Leach also released a statement.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the McLean family for their tragic loss today. John was a good man who conducted himself honorably as a candidate. My deepest condolences go out to John’s family and friends during this most difficult time. As a third generation Arizonan, they The lives John positively touched during his lifetime are immeasurable, and we should all be fortunate enough to do the same.”

The investigation into the accident is ongoing.