PHOENIX, Ariz. – A fatal two-vehicle collision on Friday evening, May 9, 2025, led to the temporary closure of a major Phoenix road and claimed the life of a 36-year-old man. The crash occurred around 6:45 p.m. near 78th Avenue and Indian School Road, in the Maryvale neighborhood of west Phoenix.

According to the Phoenix Police Department, the incident unfolded when a vehicle driven by John Fisher was traveling westbound on Indian School Road. Another vehicle pulled out from a business on the north side of the street and collided with Fisher’s car. Fisher, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, sustained critical injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Two other individuals involved in the crash were also taken to the hospital but are expected to recover, as their injuries were described as non-life-threatening.

Emergency Response and Road Closure

Emergency crews and investigators quickly responded to the scene, prompting authorities to shut down the affected portion of Indian School Road to allow for rescue operations and a thorough investigation. The road closure created significant traffic delays during the Friday evening rush hour.

The Phoenix Police Department issued a traffic advisory via Twitter and urged motorists to avoid the area while the investigation was underway.

Ongoing Investigation

The Traffic Investigations Unit of the Phoenix Police Department continues to look into the circumstances surrounding the crash. As of now, it remains unclear if speed, impairment, or distracted driving were contributing factors.

Detectives are also working to determine whether any charges will be filed. Police have not disclosed whether the driver of the second vehicle remained at the scene or is cooperating with investigators.

Seatbelt Reminder

Authorities emphasized the importance of seatbelt use in the aftermath of the fatal crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seatbelts reduce the risk of death for front-seat passengers by 45%. In Arizona, drivers and front-seat passengers are legally required to wear seatbelts.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has routinely stressed the lifesaving value of seatbelt use through public awareness campaigns and state traffic laws.

Local Reactions and Road Safety Concerns

Residents in the Maryvale area, where the crash occurred, voiced concerns about traffic safety on Indian School Road, which has seen several collisions in recent years. Many are calling for increased traffic enforcement and improved visibility at business exits and intersections along the corridor.

Data from City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department shows that Indian School Road is one of the city’s more accident-prone corridors due to its high traffic volume and multiple access points.

What’s Next

The identity of the two other individuals involved in the crash has not been released, and officials are expected to provide updates as the investigation progresses.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has relevant dashcam footage is urged to contact the Phoenix Police Department’s non-emergency line or submit information anonymously via Silent Witness.

As the city continues to grow and traffic volumes increase, officials remind all drivers to remain vigilant, wear seatbelts, and follow posted speed limits to ensure roadway safety.

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