The DPS is investigating a fatal head-on collision on Highway 70 in Solomon on Saturday morning for criminal charges as the at-fault driver was believed to be impaired.
Impairment believed to be a factor
By Jon Johnson
SOLOMON – An early Saturday morning fatal collision on Highway 70 in Solomon is being investigated by the DPS Vehicular Crimes Unit after investigators saw indicators of impairment in the at-fault driver.
Mary Helen Ocon, 53, of Safford, died at the scene from injuries sustained in the collision. Her passenger, Celeste Peru Pasley, 26, of Safford, was transported to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center for serious physical injuries and then taken to a Tucson hospital for further treatment.
The women were westbound on Highway 70 in an orange, 2004 Ford Mustang at about 6:30 a.m. when an eastbound silver, 2005 Chevrolet Colorado pickup driven by Kenneth McQueen Murdock, 49, of Mesa, crossed over the centerline and collided head-on into them at about milepost 345.
Murdock was initially transported to MGRMC and admitted for serious physical injuries but was later flown to a Tucson hospital for additional treatment.
The Department of Public Safety’s Vehicular Crimes Unit is investigating the incident because they believe the driver was impaired. Criminal charges, possibly including DUI, aggravated assault, and vehicular manslaughter, are pending according to the DPS.
A GoFundMe account has been created in Ocon’s name to assist with funeral costs and any funds left over will be utilized by her family.
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