TEMPE, Ariz. — A tragic wrong-way collision early Monday morning on State Route 202 in Tempe has claimed the life of 21-year-old Emma Huckleberry, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Authorities said the incident occurred shortly after midnight, just west of Priest Drive, when an SUV was reported traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of SR-202 near Center Parkway. Investigators believe the SUV first sideswiped a Hyundai sedan before colliding head-on with a Kia vehicle.
The driver of the Kia, identified as Huckleberry, of Waddell, was pronounced dead at the scene. DPS officials described the crash as violent, with extensive damage to both vehicles.
The SUV’s driver, whose name has not been released, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The driver of the Hyundai left the scene before authorities arrived, and DPS is working to locate them for questioning.
Preliminary findings from investigators indicate that impairment is suspected as a contributing factor in the wrong-way driving. Toxicology results are pending, and the case remains under active investigation.
The westbound lanes of SR-202 were closed for several hours Monday morning as crash reconstruction teams worked the scene, causing significant delays for commuters. DPS officials emphasized that wrong-way crashes are among the most deadly incidents on Arizona’s highways, and they reiterated ongoing safety campaigns urging drivers to remain alert and never drive impaired.
Friends and family of Huckleberry have begun sharing tributes online, describing her as a vibrant and kind young woman whose life was cut short far too soon. As the investigation moves forward, DPS urges anyone with information about the driver of the Hyundai to come forward.
This collision marks yet another fatal wrong-way incident in the Phoenix metro area this year, highlighting the ongoing dangers posed by impaired and reckless driving on Arizona roads.
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