Available 
Phoenix, AZ (February 14, 2026) – A municipal court hearing officer died after being struck by a truck inside a downtown Phoenix parking garage on February 11 shortly after 4:15 p.m. Phoenix police identified the victim as 60-year-old Susan Hawkins. According to investigators, the collision occurred inside a parking structure near 3rd Avenue and Adams Street. Authorities said the truck driver was making a turn when Hawkins, who was walking north from the elevators, was hit. First responders arrived to find her seriously injured and transported her to the hospital, where she later died. The driver remained at the scene, and impairment does not appear to be a factor. The investigation remains ongoing.
Key Details
- Location: Parking garage near 3rd Avenue & Adams Street, Phoenix
- City: Phoenix, AZ
- Reported: February 11, 2026 shortly after 4:15 p.m.
- Fatality: 60-year-old Susan Hawkins
- Type: Pedestrian struck by vehicle in parking structure
What We Know So Far
- The incident occurred inside a downtown parking garage.
- The truck driver was making a turn when the collision happened.
- The victim was walking from the elevator area at the time.
- The driver remained at the scene and was not impaired.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- Whether any citations will be issued.
- If additional safety measures will be implemented at the garage.
- Any further contributing factors to the collision.
Local Context
The area near 3rd Avenue and Adams Street sits in the heart of downtown Phoenix, surrounded by government buildings, offices, and public facilities. Parking garages in this district often serve city employees and visitors accessing municipal buildings, including the Phoenix Municipal Court. Interior parking structures can present visibility challenges due to tight turns, limited lighting, and pedestrian traffic near elevator banks. When serious incidents occur in these enclosed areas, investigators typically review surveillance footage, structural layout, and right-of-way factors to determine how the collision unfolded.
What to Do Next
- Drivers in parking structures should proceed slowly and remain alert for pedestrians near elevator exits and corners.
- Pedestrians should use marked walkways where available and remain aware of vehicles making turns.
- If involved in a collision, remain at the scene and call 911 immediately.
- Request an incident report number for documentation purposes.
FAQ
Q: Are parking garages considered public roadways?
A: While privately owned or city-operated, parking garages are subject to traffic laws and safety regulations, and serious collisions are investigated by police.
Q: Why can parking garage accidents be dangerous?
A: Tight turns, limited sightlines, and shared vehicle-pedestrian space can increase the risk of collisions inside garages.
Q: What happens during a vehicular crimes investigation?
A: Investigators review evidence, examine the scene layout, gather witness statements, and analyze vehicle positioning to determine what led to the crash.
