A Democratic candidate for a seat within the Arizona Senate was killed in an early morning DUI crash in Tucson on Friday, police confirmed.
John McLean, 68, died after Michael Martin Creel, 27, allegedly ran a cease signal and struck his automobile, in response to the Tucson Police Division.
Creel is being held on the Pima County Jail on manslaughter and aggravated DUI fees.
McLean died on the scene, and police decided that pace and impairment had been recognized elements within the deadly crash.
In line with court docket paperwork obtained by native outlet 13 Information, Creel had a DUI case in opposition to him dismissed in December 2023.
The Arizona Senate Democrats additionally confirmed McLean’s passing.
“We are heartbroken to hear about the passing of LD17 Senate Candidate John McLean. He spent his final days fighting for a better Arizona and we could not be more thankful for his work and dedication to our great state,” the group posted in a press release on X. “We extend our deepest sympathies to John’s family and loved ones.”
McLean was operating in opposition to Republican Vince Leach for the District 17 seat within the Arizona Senate. Leach additionally launched a press release and despatched his condolences to McLean’s household and pals.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the McLean family for their tragic loss today,” Leach stated. “John was a good man who conducted himself honorably as a candidate. My deepest condolences go out to John’s family and friends in this most difficult time.”
Leach was main McLean by greater than 3,000 votes when election outcomes had been introduced on Friday afternoon.
McLean, who was operating for workplace for the primary time, had conceded the race lower than 24 hours earlier than the crash.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to run as the Democratic candidate for the LD17 Senate seat. While the outcome isn’t what we hoped for, I am proud of the work that so many people put into our campaign,” McLean wrote partly on his marketing campaign Fb web page.
State Sen. Mitzi Epstein provided her condolences in a press release after saying she had simply spoken to McLean on Monday.
“I just spoke with John Monday this week. His optimism about Arizonans never wavered. He stepped up to do a volunteer job that required long hours every day, and he brought a smile and thoughtful words to every door. My heart is with his family,” Epstein wrote in a submit on X.
Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs additionally paid tribute to McLean and stated he was a “true public servant,” calling his loss of life a “tragic loss.”
“John was a true public servant who cared deeply about Arizona. He always wanted to do what was best for his community, and he will be remembered for that. This is a tragic loss, and my heart breaks for his family and loved ones. Sending all my love to those who knew him,” Hobbs wrote in a submit on X.
Police stated that the investigation into the deadly crash is ongoing.
