Pedestrian dies after collision on Tucson's southwest side

A woman struck while trying to walk across West Ajo Way on Jan. 27 has died, police say.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:31pm

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A 43-year-old woman named Nancy Rivera has died from injuries sustained when she was struck by a vehicle while trying to cross West Ajo Way in Tucson, Arizona on January 27th. Rivera was not in a marked or implied crosswalk when she and another pedestrian attempted to cross the street, and the 19-year-old driver of the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado that struck Rivera was determined to not have been speeding or impaired.

Why it matters

Pedestrian safety is an ongoing concern in many cities, as collisions between vehicles and people not in designated crosswalks can lead to serious injuries and fatalities. This incident highlights the need for improved infrastructure, driver education, and pedestrian awareness to prevent such tragic outcomes.

The details

According to the Tucson Police Department, Rivera and another pedestrian were trying to cross West Ajo Way in the 1200 block around 7 p.m. on January 27th. Rivera, who was not in a marked or implied crosswalk, was struck by the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado. Investigators determined the 19-year-old driver of the vehicle was not speeding or impaired at the time of the collision. Rivera was the only person injured in the incident.

  • On January 27, 2026, Rivera was struck by a vehicle while trying to cross West Ajo Way around 7 p.m.
  • On January 28, 2026, the Tucson Police Department was notified that Rivera had died from her injuries.

The players

Nancy Rivera

A 43-year-old pedestrian who was struck and killed while trying to cross West Ajo Way in Tucson, Arizona.

Tucson Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the collision and provided details about the incident.

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The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for improved pedestrian safety measures, such as better-marked crosswalks, driver education campaigns, and public awareness efforts, to prevent similar collisions and protect vulnerable road users in Tucson and other cities.