YUMA, Ariz. — A Yuma man has died following a serious three-vehicle collision Monday morning, authorities said.
The male victim, Jesus Velazquez, 31, of Yuma, succumbed to his injuries. Next of kin have been notified. A female victim, 28, was also seriously injured and remains hospitalized.
According to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred around 6:29 a.m. on February 9, 2026, near E. County 18 ½ Street and S. Avenue 3E. Preliminary investigation shows that the victims were standing near their parked vehicles along the south side of County 18 ½ when a red Mazda truck traveling westbound veered into the eastbound lanes, striking the parked vehicles and hitting the two individuals. The driver of the Mazda fled the scene on foot.
Rural Metro Fire – Yuma County responded to the scene, and both victims were flown to a Phoenix-area hospital due to the severity of their injuries.
The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau is leading the ongoing investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous. Tips can also be submitted online at www.yumacountysheriff.org.
