Man in Wheelchair Dies After Being Hit by Car in Phoenix

The victim may have been impaired when the incident occurred, police say.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:38am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and damaged wheelchair wheel, the harsh lighting and stark black background creating a gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the tragedy of a pedestrian accident.A damaged wheelchair wheel serves as a somber symbol of the tragic consequences when vulnerable road users are struck by vehicles.Phoenix Today

A man in a wheelchair died after being struck by a car near 24th Street and Roosevelt Street in Phoenix on April 9. Police say the man was in the roadway and may have been impaired when he was hit, and the driver of the car tried but failed to avoid him. The driver remained at the scene and showed no signs of impairment, authorities said.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers pedestrians and wheelchair users face on city streets, especially those who may be impaired. It raises questions about road safety, accessibility, and support for vulnerable road users in Phoenix.

The details

According to police, the crash happened around 7:30 p.m. on April 9. When officers arrived, they found the man with serious injuries and he was taken to the hospital, where he died on April 11. Authorities say the man was in the roadway and may have been impaired when he was struck, and the driver of the car tried but failed to avoid him. The driver remained at the scene and showed no signs of impairment.

  • The crash occurred on April 9 around 7:30 p.m.
  • The victim died on April 11 after being hospitalized.

The players

Phoenix Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the incident.

The Victim

A man in a wheelchair who was struck by a car and later died from his injuries.

The Driver

The driver of the car that struck the man in the wheelchair, who remained at the scene and showed no signs of impairment.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Police have not released the identity of the victim, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The takeaway

This tragic accident underscores the need for improved road safety measures and support for vulnerable road users in Phoenix, particularly those with mobility challenges. It raises questions about impairment, accessibility, and the responsibility of both drivers and pedestrians to ensure the safety of all who use city streets.