Mon Nov 18 20:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Arizona Senate Candidate Killed in Suspected DUI Crash
**Tucson, AZ** – Arizona Democratic Senate candidate John McLean, 68, died Friday morning in a suspected DUI crash in Tucson, police confirmed. McLean, a first-time candidate for the District 17 seat, was struck by a vehicle driven by 27-year-old Michael Martin Creel, who allegedly ran a stop sign. Creel has been arrested and charged with manslaughter and aggravated DUI. Police cited speed and impairment as contributing factors to the accident. Court documents reveal Creel had a previous DUI case dismissed in December 2023.
McLean had conceded the race to Republican opponent Vince Leach earlier Thursday, with Leach holding a lead of over 3,000 votes. Leach released a statement expressing condolences, calling McLean a “good man.” Tributes poured in from fellow Democrats, including Governor Katie Hobbs who described McLean as a “true public servant,” and State Senator Mitzi Epstein, who spoke to him just days before the accident. The Arizona Senate Democrats also issued a statement mourning McLean’s loss and praising his dedication to the state.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
First Piper 