At least two killed in three-vehicle crash near Oracle Road, Golder Ranch Drive

The deadly crash on North Oracle Road early Monday disrupted a major route for residents, commuters and businesses in the Oro Valley and Catalina areas, while leaving two families grieving and two other people seriously injured. The three vehicle collision happened near East Golder Ranch Drive, where a northbound sedan crossed the median and struck a landscaping truck, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

The crash was reported at about 6:15 a.m. on Oct. 26 on Arizona 77, commonly known as North Oracle Road. The vehicles involved were a sedan and two landscaping trucks. The sedan became trapped beneath one of the trucks. DPS confirmed that the sedan’s driver died, while AAA Landscape said one of its employees was also killed. Two other people were seriously injured.

AAA Landscape said the crash involved one of its trucks and that two of its employees survived with serious injuries. The company said the loss affected its entire workforce, describing its employees as members of an extended family. The company expressed sorrow for those killed and injured, but additional information about the workers’ identities and medical conditions was not immediately available.

According to the account provided by AAA Landscape, a vehicle traveling north on Oracle Road lost control, crossed the center median and slammed into one of the company’s trucks. The impact involved the second landscaping truck as well, creating a major emergency response and leaving debris and damaged vehicles along the roadway. Investigators had not publicly released further details about what caused the sedan to lose control.

The collision closed the southbound side of Oracle Road for hours. By early afternoon, the closure extended from East Wilds Road to East Golder Ranch Drive, affecting drivers traveling through one of the principal north south connections between Tucson and communities farther north. Authorities asked motorists to avoid the area and use North Bowman Road or North Lago del Oro Parkway instead. The reports did not provide an estimated time for a full reopening or say whether any citations had been issued.

The crash adds to a history of serious and fatal traffic incidents along Oracle Road in the Oro Valley area, particularly involving people outside vehicles. In 2024, two older pedestrians died after being struck by vehicles in separate incidents near Oracle Road. Jeffrey L. Powell, 76, was hit near the intersection with Magee Road on Oct. 28 and died the following day at Banner University Medical Center.

Powell was crossing Magee Road when a southbound Fiat turning west struck him. A police report said the driver reported being blinded by the sun, and a follow up officer confirmed that glare was noticeable at the time of day involved. Investigators ruled out drug and alcohol impairment, but the driver faced a misdemeanor allegation related to causing serious injury or death through a moving violation. Powell’s relatives and friends later left flowers, signs and photographs along the railing near Magee and Oracle.

Another pedestrian, 77 year old James Bernard Bencke, was hit on March 3 while walking south on Oracle Road near a private driveway north of Cool Drive. He was reportedly on his way to the Pima Canyon trailhead and later died from complications related to his injuries. Oro Valley police said the driver believed Bencke was in a blind spot and found no apparent evidence of impairment. After the driver died in November, the Oro Valley Prosecutor’s Office said it would not continue the case because pursuing it would require public resources without the defendant present.

Those earlier deaths prompted Oro Valley police to urge both drivers and pedestrians to take extra care along the corridor. Department spokesperson Darren Wright said people walking legally remain vulnerable because drivers can make mistakes, and he advised pedestrians to watch surrounding traffic even when they have the right of way. He also urged motorists to scan intersections and driveways carefully, remain alert to possible crossings and remember that older pedestrians may need more time to cross. The latest crash involved vehicles rather than pedestrians, but its location and the extended road closure again highlighted the risks and transportation challenges facing people who use Oracle Road. Further information about the investigation, the injured victims and any planned roadway changes was expected from DPS or local authorities.