NEW RIVER, Maricopa County, Ariz., Nov. 9, 2026 — A pedestrian died on Sunday morning, November 8, after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 17 near New River, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
The crash happened in the northbound lanes of I-17 in the New River area, north of Phoenix, after 4 a.m., DPS said. Troopers initially confirmed only that the crash involved a pedestrian and a vehicle and said they could not immediately provide details on the extent of injuries. By the time crews reached the scene, one person was confirmed to have died.
Footage from the scene showed a semi-truck with front-end damage, though it has not been confirmed whether that vehicle was involved in striking the pedestrian. DPS has not released the identity of the person killed.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The roadway has since reopened.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
More on Crashes in New River, AZ
This crash happened on Interstate 17 in New River, AZ. We cover crashes across Maricopa County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Maricopa County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are most common in pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrians struck by vehicles frequently suffer head trauma, broken bones, and internal injuries, since they have little protection from the impact.
What usually causes pedestrian accidents?
Common factors include driver inattention, low visibility, speeding, and pedestrians crossing outside marked areas, especially along highways and in low-light conditions.
How does vehicle speed affect a pedestrian's chance of survival?
Higher vehicle speeds generally reduce a pedestrian's chance of survival and increase the severity of injuries, since there is less time to react and greater impact force.
Where do most pedestrian accidents happen?
Many pedestrian crashes occur on roadways without dedicated crossings, including highways and rural stretches where pedestrians may be harder for drivers to see.