83-Year-Old Pedestrian Dead After Fatal Tucson Collision

TUCSON ­– Thursday, Oct. 3 around 6 a.m., Tucson police officers and Tucson Fire Department members responded to a report of a vehicle-pedestrian collision in the 3700 block of N. First Avenue. TFD started administering medical aid to 83-year-old pedestrian Gerald Zushin when they arrived at the scene, but he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

Investigation and interviews by TPD traffic detectives helped them determine that Zushin had been walking across First Avenue, headed from the east to the west side of the road midblock instead of at an intersection or in a crosswalk. At the same time, a gray Nissan Altima in the curb lane was headed south on First Avenue and struck Zushin. The Altima driver told police he didn’t see Zushin in time to avoid the collision.

The Altima driver, whose name hasn’t been released by police, stopped immediately after colliding with Zushin and cooperated with police. The driver exhibited no signs of impairment or DUI, and police believe speed wasn’t a factor in the incident.

Investigation is still underway, but the motorist was not cited or arrested. However, TPD detectives are asking anyone who can provide more information on this collision to call 88-CRIME.

This Oct. 3 incident is the 26th fatal pedestrian collision in Tucson in 2019. In 2018, there were 24 pedestrian fatalities, the Tucson Police Department reported.