MESA, Ariz. — Two people were killed and two others suffered serious injuries Sunday night after a two-vehicle crash near 7th Avenue and Stapley Drive, Mesa police said. The collision occurred shortly after 7 p.m. on Aug. 9 and prompted a temporary closure of Stapley Drive as officers and emergency crews responded.
Victims identified; investigation ongoing
Police identified the two people who died as Gloria Apolinar Matias, 74, and Idolinda Romero Apolinar, 44. Both were inside one of the vehicles at the time of the crash. Two other adults involved in the collision sustained serious, non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Mesa Police Department.
“While impairment isn't believed to be a factor, police say speed may have contributed to the deadly crash,”
The department has said detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the collision. At this stage, investigators are considering speed as a contributing factor but have not released additional findings or determined fault.
Where it happened and immediate response
The crash took place near the intersection of 7th Avenue and Stapley Drive, a corridor that carries local traffic between residential neighborhoods and commercial strips. First responders closed Stapley Drive for a period while they worked at the scene; the road has since been reopened, police said.
- When: Shortly after 7 p.m., Aug. 9
- Where: Near 7th Avenue and Stapley Drive, Mesa
- Vehicles involved: A pickup truck and an SUV, per Mesa police
- Casualties: Two dead, two with serious injuries
Mesa police closed portions of the roadway to allow collision investigators and emergency personnel to collect evidence, conduct triage, and clear debris. Traffic delays were reported in the area while the scene was handled.
Community impact and safety reminders
Fatal crashes on city streets reverberate through neighborhoods, particularly when they occur on well-traveled routes. Mesa police urged residents to drive with caution and adhere to posted speed limits while the investigation is underway. No other public statements about contributing factors or citations have been released.
Officials have not indicated whether family members of the victims have been notified publicly, and no further personal details were released by the police. The department asked anyone with information, eyewitness video or dashcam footage that could assist the investigation to contact the Mesa Police Department's collision investigation unit.
| Name | Age | Condition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gloria Apolinar Matias | 74 | Deceased | Inside one of the vehicles |
| Idolinda Romero Apolinar | 44 | Deceased | Inside same vehicle as other victim |
| Two other adults | Not disclosed | Serious, non-life-threatening injuries | Also involved in the crash |
The Mesa Police Department has not said whether charges will be filed; that determination typically follows completion of the collision investigation and review of evidence. Community members with information can reach the Mesa Police Department's non-emergency line or the collision investigation unit to provide tips.
As investigators continue to piece together the events that led to the crash, city leaders and traffic safety advocates often point to a combination of enforcement, engineering and public education to prevent similar incidents. For now, the immediate concern is supporting the families affected and completing the department's work to clarify what occurred on Stapley Drive.
WE NEWS will update this report when officials release more information.
