Larry Schnepp Obituary, Death – A tragic collision early Sunday morning in north Phoenix claimed the life of a 60-year-old bicyclist. The incident occurred in the Deer Valley area, just north of Union Hills Drive, and has prompted an active investigation by the Phoenix Police Department.
Authorities responded to the scene of the crash around 6 a.m. on May 18, near the intersection of 51st Avenue and Wescott Drive. When officers arrived, they discovered a man who had sustained life-threatening injuries. The victim, later identified as Larry Schnepp, was either riding or walking alongside his bicycle when the accident occurred.
According to investigators, Schnepp was attempting to cross 51st Avenue when he was struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound on Wescott Drive. The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are still being reviewed, but police believe the man was either on or next to his bicycle at the time he entered the roadway.
Emergency medical personnel quickly arrived and transported Schnepp to a nearby hospital for treatment. Sadly, despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival due to the severity of his injuries.
The driver of the vehicle involved remained at the scene following the collision and cooperated with law enforcement officials. At this stage in the investigation, police have not indicated whether impairment, speed, or other factors played a role in the crash. No charges have been filed as of yet, and authorities have not released any additional identifying details about the driver.
Police said that the initial evidence and witness statements are being carefully reviewed. Accident reconstruction experts may be called in to assist in determining how the crash occurred and whether any traffic violations contributed to the deadly outcome.
The intersection where the crash occurred is a suburban area that sees moderate traffic in the early morning hours. Local residents have expressed concern about safety in the neighborhood, particularly for pedestrians and bicyclists who must cross busy streets with limited protection. Some have called for improved signage, better lighting, or the addition of crosswalks or bike lanes to enhance visibility and safety for all road users.
Larry Schnepp’s death has left family members and friends devastated. While few personal details have been released about him, the community has begun to mourn the loss of another life on city roads. Tributes have begun to appear on social media, with several residents offering condolences and expressing sorrow over the tragedy.
Bicycle-related accidents remain a concern in the Phoenix metropolitan area and across Arizona. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, hundreds of collisions involving bicycles occur each year in the state, many resulting in serious injury or death. Advocacy groups continue to call for more infrastructure that protects cyclists, as well as public awareness campaigns that encourage motorists and cyclists to share the road safely.
The Phoenix Police Department is urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has additional information to come forward to assist with the investigation. They emphasize that all tips, even minor details, could prove helpful in piecing together the exact sequence of events.
As the investigation continues, Schnepp’s loved ones are left to grapple with the loss and unanswered questions. For now, the case remains open, and the police will be evaluating whether any legal actions may follow as more information becomes available.
This tragic accident serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of cyclists on urban roadways. Even in residential neighborhoods, early morning commutes can turn dangerous in an instant, especially when visibility is reduced or traffic patterns are unpredictable.
Local transportation officials have acknowledged the need to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety across Phoenix. In recent years, efforts have been made to expand bike lanes and add safety features like pedestrian signals and speed reduction measures. However, critics argue that more needs to be done, particularly in less central parts of the city where resources for infrastructure improvements are more limited.
The death of Larry Schnepp highlights the need for continued vigilance and compassion on the road—by both drivers and cyclists. As Phoenix continues to grow and more people rely on alternative transportation, fostering a safer environment for all will require both community involvement and government commitment.
Police will continue to release updates as the investigation progresses, and they encourage anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Phoenix Police Department directly.
Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of a life taken too soon and reflects on the steps that can be taken to prevent future tragedies on its roads.