Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Three University of Arizona Students
Three students from the University of Arizona lost their lives in a tragic incident on Thursday night. Authorities reported that a 19-year-old driver, who was reportedly impaired, was speeding in a Porsche when he struck the students at a crosswalk near the campus before fleeing the scene.
The driver, identified as Louis John Altar, faces serious charges including three counts of second-degree murder and one count for leaving the scene of a deadly accident, as stated by the Tucson Police Department.
Emergency responders, including officers from both the Tucson Police and University of Arizona Police Departments, as well as local firefighters, arrived at North Euclid Avenue and East Second Street around 11 p.m. after reports of multiple pedestrians being hit.
Sadly, Sofia Akimi Troetel, 21, and Josiah Patrick Santos, 22, were pronounced dead at the scene. The third victim, Katia Rosaura Castillo Mendoza, also 21, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries but was later pronounced dead on Saturday.
The University confirmed that all three were students there. Officials expressed their sorrow in a statement: “The University of Arizona community is deeply saddened by the crash that claimed the lives of three students.” They offered condolences to the families and emphasized support for those grieving.
According to police investigations, the 2019 Porsche Boxster was speeding—over the posted 30 mph limit—as it approached the intersection where the victims were crossing. The driver apparently did not stop and fled the scene before turning himself in to authorities on Friday.
In their assessment, officers from the Impaired Driving Enforcement Unit indicated that Altar was under the influence of either alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident. “His impairment, along with speeding and not yielding to pedestrians, were key factors in this collision,” police noted, adding that their investigation is ongoing and further information might emerge later.
Altar was booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Center but later posted a bond of $250,000.
In the wake of their loss, Santos’ mother, Mattia, initiated a GoFundMe campaign, highlighting the bond her son shared with Troetel. “Last night, my beautiful son Josiah and his girlfriend Sophia were taken from us far too soon,” she shared on the campaign page. She described them as vibrant and loving, ready to embrace their future together, and urged people to keep their family and Sophia in their thoughts during this painful time.
As of Saturday night, the fundraising effort had nearly reached $24,000.
It’s worth noting that Tucson has seen 26 pedestrian fatalities this year alone, surpassing last year’s total of 25.
