49-Year-Old Woman Pronounced Dead after DUI Three-Vehicle Collision on 36th Street

TUCSON, AZ (July 29, 2024) – Tuesday, Thidavanh Anna Philavanh died and Leonardo Daniel Cruz was arrested after crash on South Kino Parkway.

The Tucson Police Department responded to the scene around 12:00 p.m., near 36th Street on July 23rd.

Officers say Cruz was driving a Chrysler 300 south when he crossed over the center line and veered into the northbound lanes.

There, the Chrysler collided with an oncoming Honda Odyssey and a Jeep Wrangler. Due to the extent of injuries sustained, medics pronounced the Honda driver, 49-year-old Philavanh dead at the scene.

Meanwhile, paramedics also transported the Jeep driver and 22-year-old Cruz to Banner-University Medical Center with serious injuries.

Following preliminary duties, officers determined that Cruz was impaired at the time of the crash. Police charged him with second degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and two counts of felony criminal damage.

At this time, Cruz is booked into the Pima County Jail with bail set at $150,000.

Emergency personnel shut down the surrounding area during clearing operations before it was later reopened.

Our deepest condolences and sympathies are with the family and friends of Thidavanh Anna Philavanh.

The sudden loss of a loved one is an extremely difficult time for the surviving family. At Sweet James, we understand that legal decisions have to be made. We will fight to hold the responsible party accountable and help you receive compensation to pay for the high costs of medical, funeral, and legal expenses. Call our offices today at 1-844-363-7713 for more information.