Peter Wanjohi Obituary, Death – According to a statement from Tucson Police, the event occurred early Sunday, October 26, around 2 a.m., along Kino Parkway, just south of 15th Street. Investigators said that Wanjohi had been attempting to cross the roadway when he was struck by a 2007 Toyota Avalon traveling southbound in the middle lane.
Police noted that Wanjohi was in a marked crosswalk but had entered it while traffic still had the right of way. This situation made it difficult for the driver to stop in time. Emergency responders arrived quickly after the collision, and Wanjohi was taken to a nearby hospital with critical injuries. Despite medical efforts, he did not survive.
Authorities identified the driver as a 27-year-old man who immediately stopped after the collision and cooperated fully with police. According to Tucson Police, there was no indication that the driver was under the influence of alcohol or any other substance at the time of the incident. Officers conducted standard field assessments and determined that impairment was not a factor.
The Tucson Police Department’s Traffic Investigations Unit arrived on the scene to document evidence and reconstruct what happened. Their initial findings suggested that visibility and timing may have contributed to the crash. The area where the incident occurred is known to have moderate nighttime traffic, especially on weekends, as it is located near student housing and local businesses.
Officials said no citations or criminal charges were filed against the driver, pending the final outcome of the investigation. At this time, police have not indicated that excessive speed or reckless behavior were involved. Instead, they emphasized the importance of pedestrian awareness, particularly when crossing multi-lane roads or doing so outside of standard signal timing.
Tucson Police spokespersons have also used the opportunity to remind the public about road safety in busy urban areas, especially during nighttime hours. They encouraged pedestrians to wait for designated signals and ensure that all vehicles have come to a complete stop before crossing. For drivers, authorities highlighted the need to remain alert, particularly near intersections and crosswalks where people on foot may unexpectedly enter the roadway.
The department expressed condolences to Wanjohi’s family and friends, noting that his passing has deeply affected the university community. He was remembered by peers as a bright and motivated young man with promising goals for the future.
Community members in the area have voiced concerns about pedestrian safety along Kino Parkway, calling for improved lighting, signage, and longer crossing intervals at nearby intersections. City officials acknowledged those concerns and said discussions about potential safety improvements are ongoing.
As of now, the investigation remains active while authorities finalize the traffic reconstruction report. Once complete, those findings will be reviewed to determine whether any additional action is needed.
The Tucson Police Department urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dash camera footage from the area around 2 a.m. Sunday to contact their Traffic Investigations Unit. Information provided by witnesses could help clarify the sequence of events leading up to the collision.
Police closed their statement by reiterating their commitment to ensuring safety on Tucson’s roadways. They reminded both drivers and pedestrians that shared responsibility and attentiveness are essential for preventing tragedies like this one in the future.
Authorities in Tucson have released additional information about a traffic incident that sadly claimed the life of a young man earlier this week. The Tucson Police Department reported that 19-year-old Peter Wanjohi passed away on Wednesday from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle near the University of Arizona over the weekend.
According to a statement from Tucson Police, the event occurred early Sunday, October 26, around 2 a.m., along Kino Parkway, just south of 15th Street. Investigators said that Wanjohi had been attempting to cross the roadway when he was struck by a 2007 Toyota Avalon traveling southbound in the middle lane.
Police noted that Wanjohi was in a marked crosswalk but had entered it while traffic still had the right of way. This situation made it difficult for the driver to stop in time. Emergency responders arrived quickly after the collision, and Wanjohi was taken to a nearby hospital with critical injuries. Despite medical efforts, he did not survive.
Authorities identified the driver as a 27-year-old man who immediately stopped after the collision and cooperated fully with police. According to Tucson Police, there was no indication that the driver was under the influence of alcohol or any other substance at the time of the incident. Officers conducted standard field assessments and determined that impairment was not a factor.
The Tucson Police Department’s Traffic Investigations Unit arrived on the scene to document evidence and reconstruct what happened. Their initial findings suggested that visibility and timing may have contributed to the crash. The area where the incident occurred is known to have moderate nighttime traffic, especially on weekends, as it is located near student housing and local businesses.
Officials said no citations or criminal charges were filed against the driver, pending the final outcome of the investigation. At this time, police have not indicated that excessive speed or reckless behavior were involved. Instead, they emphasized the importance of pedestrian awareness, particularly when crossing multi-lane roads or doing so outside of standard signal timing.
Tucson Police spokespersons have also used the opportunity to remind the public about road safety in busy urban areas, especially during nighttime hours. They encouraged pedestrians to wait for designated signals and ensure that all vehicles have come to a complete stop before crossing. For drivers, authorities highlighted the need to remain alert, particularly near intersections and crosswalks where people on foot may unexpectedly enter the roadway.
The department expressed condolences to Wanjohi’s family and friends, noting that his passing has deeply affected the university community. He was remembered by peers as a bright and motivated young man with promising goals for the future.
Community members in the area have voiced concerns about pedestrian safety along Kino Parkway, calling for improved lighting, signage, and longer crossing intervals at nearby intersections. City officials acknowledged those concerns and said discussions about potential safety improvements are ongoing.
As of now, the investigation remains active while authorities finalize the traffic reconstruction report. Once complete, those findings will be reviewed to determine whether any additional action is needed.
The Tucson Police Department urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dash camera footage from the area around 2 a.m. Sunday to contact their Traffic Investigations Unit. Information provided by witnesses could help clarify the sequence of events leading up to the collision.
Police closed their statement by reiterating their commitment to ensuring safety on Tucson’s roadways. They reminded both drivers and pedestrians that shared responsibility and attentiveness are essential for preventing tragedies like this one in the future.
