Tragic Loss: Arizona Senate Candidate John McLean Killed in DUI Crash
TUCSON, AZ – John McLean, a 68-year-old Democratic candidate for the Arizona Senate, was tragically killed early Friday morning in a DUI-related crash in Tucson. According to the Tucson Police Department, McLean died at the scene after being struck by a vehicle allegedly driven by 27-year-old Michael Martin Creel, who reportedly ran a stop sign. Creel faces charges of manslaughter and aggravated DUI and is currently held at Pima County Jail. Police confirmed that speed and impairment contributed to the fatal accident.
The Arizona Senate Democrats expressed their sorrow, stating, "We are heartbroken to hear about the passing of LD17 Senate Candidate John McLean. He spent his final days fighting for a better Arizona." Similarly, McLean’s opponent, Republican Vince Leach, conveyed his condolences, honoring McLean’s character as a candidate. "John was a good man who conducted himself honorably," Leach remarked.
The crash occurred less than 24 hours after McLean conceded to Leach, who was leading by over 3,000 votes in the closely watched District 17 race. McLean was running for public office for the first time and had expressed pride in the campaign efforts on his Facebook page.
Condolences poured in from various political figures, including State Senator Mitzi Epstein and Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, who described McLean as a "true public servant" deeply committed to his community. "This is a tragic loss, and my heart breaks for his family," Hobbs said.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing as the community mourns the loss of a dedicated candidate whose life was cut short.
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