TUCSON, AZ — Arizona State Senate candidate John McLean died in a crash Friday morning in east Tucson.
According to a news release from Tucson Police, McLean was driving his 2019 Toyota Rav4 east on Broadway when his vehicle was struck by a 2018 Ford Explorer driving north on North Ridgeside Drive.
The driver of the other car, 27-year-old Michael Martin Creel, allegedly failed to stop at the stop sign, the news release said.
Creel allegedly struck the passenger side of McLean's vehicle as it passed the intersection. McLean was declared dead at the scene. Creel was not seriously injured.
Tucson Police determined Creel was impaired at the time of the crash. He was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and aggravated DUI.
Arizona State Democrats posted a statement on X stating in part, "We extend out deepest sympathies to John's family and loved ones."
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. We extend our deepest sympathies to John’s family and loved…
— Arizona Senate Democrats (@AZSenateDems) November 15, 2024
McLean ran for District 17 State Senate in the 2024 election. His opponent and Senator-elect Vince Leach also released a statement.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the McLean family for their tragic loss today. 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. As a third-generation Arizonan, the lives John positively touched during his life are incalculable, and we should all be so fortunate to do the same."
The crash investigation is ongoing.
