Pedestrian, Cyclist Killed At Same Time In 2 Tucson Crashes

TUCSON, AZ — A pedestrian and a bicyclist were killed in Tucson at the same time Thursday morning, the sheriff's department said.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department said deputies were called to two crashes that were reported simultaneously. One took place on Sandario Road at Tortoise Trail and the other took place on Wetmore and Romero Roads. Traffic was blocked and delayed at both locations.

On Sandiaro Road, deputies discovered a car had struck a bicyclist while attempting to make a left turn onto Tortoise Trail. The victim, identified as 60-year-old Lauren Harvey, died at the scene.

Over on Romero Road, deputies found a similar scene.

"Upon arrival, they discovered a box truck with one occupant had been making a left-hand turn from Romero Road to Westbound Ruthrauff Road when it struck a pedestrian in the roadway," a news release from the sheriff's department said.

The pedestrian, 63-year-old Arlene Matus, also died.

The sheriff's department said both investigations are ongoing.

Approximately 39 pedestrians died on Tucson streets in 2019, according to Arizona Public Media. A 2018 report from the Governor's Highway Safety Association revealed that Arizona had the second-worst pedestrian death rate in the country.