BY Abril Elfi
Arizona Senate candidate John McLean has died in a car crash at 68-years-old.
The Tucson Police Department stated that on Friday McLean (D-Ariz.) was driving east on Broadway near North Houghton Road about 6 a.m. when he was struck by 27-year-old Michael Martin Creel who is said to have been impaired.
McLean was pronounced dead at the scene. Creel is being held at the Pima County Jail on manslaughter and aggravated DUI charges.
Court documents obtained by local outlet 13 News stated that Creel had a DUI case against him that was dismissed in December 2023.
McLean, a Democrat, competed against Republican Venden “Vince” Leach (R-Ariz.) in the race for Tucson-area District 17 during the election.
Leach released a statement following the passing expressing his condolences to McLean’s family and loved ones.
“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 told the Star. “The lives John positively touched during his life are incalculable, and we should all be so fortunate to do the same.”
Leach was leading McLean by over 3,000 votes when election results were announced Friday afternoon. McLean, a first-time candidate, had conceded the race less than 24 hours before 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 in part on his campaign Facebook page.
The Arizona Senate Democrats also released a statement on 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. We extend our deepest sympathies to John’s family and loved…
— Arizona Senate Democrats (@AZSenateDems) November 15, 2024
Governor Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) also paid tribute to McLean and said he was a “true public servant,” calling his death 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.…
— Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs) November 16, 2024
Authorities stated that the investigation regarding the crash is still ongoing.
