Man dies after early-morning vehicle collision near Buckeye Road and 39th Avenue in west Phoenix

What happened

A man died after being struck by a vehicle in west Phoenix in an early-morning crash that prompted a road closure and a police investigation.

The collision occurred on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in the area of Buckeye Road and 39th Avenue. Police said officers were dispatched at about 4:40 a.m. following reports of a crash involving a pedestrian. The victim, described as an adult male, was found with serious injuries. Life-saving measures were attempted, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities said the vehicle involved remained at the location. As of the latest public update, the victim had not been identified and investigators had not announced whether the driver would face citations or criminal charges.

Immediate impacts and investigation focus

Traffic restrictions were put in place in the area while investigators documented the scene and collected evidence. In fatal collisions involving pedestrians, investigators typically work to establish:

• the pedestrian’s location relative to intersections and marked crossings;
• the driver’s actions before the collision, including speed and braking;
• visibility factors such as lighting conditions and sightlines at the time of the crash;
• impairment indicators and other potential contributing factors;
• vehicle movement and impact evidence, including debris patterns and points of contact.

No additional details about these elements were released in the initial information.

Why this stretch matters

Buckeye Road is a major east–west corridor that connects industrial areas, neighborhoods, and transit routes. The west Phoenix segment includes wide roadways and frequent driveway and intersection access points, factors that can increase conflict between vehicles and people walking when crossings are concentrated far apart or occur outside of protected locations.

Citywide context: traffic safety planning

Phoenix has adopted a Road Safety Action Plan that incorporates Vision Zero goals, a framework aimed at reducing and ultimately eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries over time. The plan includes a mix of engineering, enforcement, and education strategies, with emphasis on corridors and intersections associated with severe crashes and on measures that improve pedestrian visibility and crossing safety.

What comes next

Police have not released the man’s name, pending identification and notification of next of kin. Any determination about fault or potential charges would depend on investigative findings. Drivers in the area were urged to expect delays during the initial closure and to use alternate routes while the scene was processed.

If you witnessed the collision or have relevant video, investigators generally encourage the public to share information directly with law enforcement to support reconstruction and accountability determinations.