Maria Sotelo-Santos And Raul Ponce Death, Victims Of Motorcycle Accident On SR 51 In Phoenix Identified : PHOENIX, Arizona — A motorcycle crash on southbound State Route 51 near Bethany Home Road on Monday night has resulted in the deaths of two individuals, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). The incident occurred around 8 p.m. when the driver of the motorcycle lost control and collided with the concrete median wall. Both occupants of the motorcycle, identified as 31-year-old Raul Ponce, the operator, and 26-year-old Maria Sotelo-Santos, both of Phoenix, tragically lost their lives in the crash.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the incident was reported. Despite their efforts, both individuals were pronounced deceased at the scene. Following the crash, all southbound lanes of SR-51 were temporarily closed at Glendale Avenue to allow for investigation and cleanup. The lanes reopened around 1 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
The DPS is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. At this time, it is believed that the motorcycle driver lost control, leading to the collision with the median wall. Authorities have not indicated whether speed or impairment were factors in the crash. The tragic incident has deeply impacted the local community, with condolences pouring in for the families and loved ones of the victims. The DPS has urged anyone with information regarding the crash to contact them.
