Motorcycle Passenger Dies In One-Vehicle Collision In Tempe

TEMPE, AZ —A motorcycle passenger was killed Sunday afternoon in a single-vehicle collision in Tempe, though the driver of the motorcycle is expected to survive, the Tempe Police Department said.

Police have not publicly identified either person, though the department said it has contacted the passenger's next of kin.

According to police, the accident took place at 4:45 p.m. in the area of Priest Drive and Darrow Drive. The motorcycle —with two people on board— was traveling northbound on Priest Drive when the driver lost control near a slight curve at Darrow Drive and hit a block wall.

Tempe Fire Medical Rescue responded to the scene and rendered aid to both victims, though the passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.

The motorcycle driver was transported to a hospital in critical condition. On Tuesday morning, a police department spokesperson said the driver has remained conscious and is expected to survive.

The Tempe police spokesperson said the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

"Impairment and speed still are being looked at, but nothing (is) solidified as of yet," the spokesperson said.