#JusticeForJohnMcLean #EndDUI #RoadSafetyNow
John McLean, a respected business leader, community volunteer, and Democratic candidate for the Arizona state Senate, was tragically killed in a collision with a drunk driver on Friday morning in Tucson. The heartbreaking incident highlights ongoing concerns about impaired driving and road safety across the United States.
The crash occurred near Broadway and Houghton Road when 27-year-old Michael Martin Creel ran a stop sign and struck McLean’s vehicle, according to Tucson police. McLean, 68, was pronounced dead at the scene. Creel, who has a history of DUI offenses, was arrested and now faces charges of manslaughter and aggravated DUI.
McLean’s untimely death has sparked an outpouring of grief and calls for action. Arizona State Sen. Priya Sundareshan expressed her sorrow, describing McLean as a “wonderful man” who worked tirelessly to bring his community together. Similarly, McLean’s campaign team praised his commitment to service, highlighting his leadership and compassion in a heartfelt statement.
This tragedy underscores the broader crisis of traffic fatalities in Tucson. McLean is the 82nd person killed on the city’s streets this year, including 27 vehicle occupants, 29 pedestrians, and others. While Tucson’s fatality count has dropped compared to 2023, advocates emphasize that impaired driving remains a significant threat.
Creel’s arrest has reignited debates over Arizona’s DUI laws, particularly for repeat offenders. Creel’s record includes a DUI conviction in 2022 and other charges dating back nearly a decade. His case exemplifies how gaps in enforcement and accountability can lead to devastating outcomes.
McLean’s legacy is one of community engagement and hope. A University of Arizona graduate and former CEO of Areté Associates, he dedicated his retirement to dog rescue efforts and, more recently, public service.
As tributes pour in, hashtags like #JusticeForJohnMcLean and #EndDUI have gone viral, with many calling for stricter DUI penalties and greater investments in road safety. McLean’s death is a somber reminder of the lives cut short by preventable tragedies—and a call to honor his memory by making communities safer.
