Phoenix, AZ (March 28, 2026) – A woman was killed and another person suffered life-threatening injuries in a crash at the intersection of 28th Dr and Cactus Rd in Phoenix.
Emergency units responded to the intersection around 1:15 a.m. on Saturday, March 28. Investigators said a red pickup truck ran a red light and crashed into a black Nissan Versa.
The impact pushed the Nissan into a stopped semi-truck in the intersection. The vehicles sustained heavy damage during the crash.
Officials identified the driver of the Nissan as 34-year-old Trista Jaquez. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Aside from that, the 23-year-old woman who was riding in the Nissan suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Authorities later identified the pickup driver as 26-year-old Randall Nelson.
Investigators reported that Nelson was arrested following the crash. He faces charges including negligent homicide, endangerment, and aggravated assault after officers said he admitted to drinking before the collision.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available. Our sincere condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
How Red-Light Crashes Can Lead to Severe Intersection Accidents
Intersections are among the most common locations for serious traffic crashes. When a driver enters an intersection against a red signal, other vehicles crossing the intersection may have little time to avoid a collision.
Side-impact crashes often occur in these situations. When a vehicle is struck from the side, the car’s structure may provide less protection than in a front or rear impact.
The force of the collision can also push vehicles into other nearby objects. This may include other cars waiting at the intersection or large trucks stopped nearby.
Traffic signals are designed to separate traffic movements and reduce conflicts between drivers. When a signal is ignored, vehicles traveling in different directions can enter the same space at the same time, increasing the chance of a serious crash.
