Tempe, AZ – UPDATE: Kelly Maeve Scott Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash at University Dr

Tempe, AZ (February 18, 2020) – A driver has been arrested after a woman died and a man was seriously injured in a Tempe hit-and-run accident early Sunday morning.

Officers from the Tempe Police Department say that a woman and a man were crossing the street near University Drive and Mill Avenue around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday when they were hit by a vehicle traveling westbound on University Drive.

The 42-year-old woman, identified as Kelly Maeve Scott, was taken to a hospital via ambulance but later pronounced dead. The 41-year-old man, identified as Steven McDonald, suffered serious injuries and remains hospitalized.

The hit-and-run driver, Clyde Thatcher, was arrested an hour after the accident occurred. Police say Thatcher, 36, stopped and spoke with two witnesses before fleeing the scene. Witnesses provided a description of the vehicle, which ultimately led police to Thatcher’s GMC Sierra, which was located 52nd Street and Broadway Road.

Thatcher was then booked into jail on suspicion of manslaughter, aggravated assault and hit-and-run.

Police say impairment was a factor in the crash.

Our condolences go out to the family of Kelly Maeve Scott. Our thoughts are with Steven McDonald in hopes of a full recovery.

Hit-and-Run Accidents in Arizona 

According to statistics released yearly by the Arizona Department of Transportation, there were more than 15,000 hit-and-run accidents in 2017 alone. Of those accidents, almost 70 resulted in at least one fatality and 3,000 resulted in critical injuries. These tragic figures make it clear that hit-and-run wrecks are a serious threat to drivers across the state. Furthermore, when innocent drivers suffer as a result of another motorist’s negligent actions, they’re often left with physical and emotional trauma.

That’s why victims and their families should always speak with a knowledgeable car accident attorney in Arizona after they’ve suffered in a wreck that occurred at the hands of a negligent driver.

When it comes to advocating for victims and their families after a crash, the attorneys at ELG Law are fully committed. Thanks to years of experience and unmatched compassion in handling victims’ cases, our accident attorneys have what it takes to help you today. Our lawyers go above and beyond in securing the settlements that victims and their families deserve. If you have been harmed by an at-fault party, please contact us for legal advice and a no-hassle, free consultation at (623) 562-3838.

Note: As a result of the secondary sources that were used to complete this post, the information included within has not been independently verified by our own staff and may include misinformation. If you read something that, to your knowledge, is incorrect, please contact us as soon as possible and we will correct the inaccuracy.

Disclaimer: As members of the local Phoenix and broader Arizona community, we hope everyone in our community is safe and protected. We cover the events included in this blog as a way to offer support to the victims in similar circumstances and to provide relief during these difficult times. However, this information should not be misconstrued as legal advice, and you should speak with a trained legal professional for more information regarding your situation.