By Jon Johnson
jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com
SAFFORD — While more than a thousand revelers were enjoying live music, food, and celebration along historic Main Street during SalsaFest 2026, a pedestrian lost her life after being struck by a pickup truck just one block away from the festival grounds on Saturday evening.
The Safford Police Department responded at approximately 6:23 p.m. on Sept. 26 to a reported collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian near the intersection of 8th Street and 7th Avenue. The posted speed limit for the area is 25 mph.
Upon arrival, emergency responders located the involved driver, identified as a male juvenile, who remained at the scene. Officers and medical personnel also located the victim, identified as Patricia Curtis, 70, of Safford.
First responders immediately initiated life-saving measures at the scene. Paramedics transported Curtis to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center, where she was later pronounced deceased from her injuries.
According to Safford Police, investigating officers evaluated the juvenile driver at the scene for signs of impairment and found none. After initial questioning, officers released the driver to his parents.
Officers closed down the intersection for several hours Saturday night to process the scene, reconstruct the collision, and conduct their initial investigation.
The Safford Police Department continues to investigate the incident. Police officials said they will determine any potential charges or enforcement actions once the investigation is complete.
