Available 
Tucson, AZ (May 13, 2026) – A man was killed following a three-vehicle crash on the southeast side of Tucson. The collision happened around 11:35 p.m. on Monday, May 11, in the 4300 block of South Kolb Road.
Officials said 58-year-old Samuel D. Jackson was driving a Toyota RAV4 northbound at a high rate of speed when the SUV struck the rear of a Volkswagen Golf traveling in the same lane. After the initial impact, the RAV4 reportedly crossed the raised median and entered the southbound lanes, where it collided with a GMC Sierra.
Jackson was thrown from the SUV during the crash because he was not wearing a seatbelt. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died. The drivers of the Volkswagen and GMC suffered minor injuries in the accident.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Why Speed and Seatbelt Use Affect Serious Crashes
High-speed crashes can lead to severe damage because vehicles have less time to slow down before impact. Even a small increase in speed can significantly raise the force involved in a collision, often resulting in more extensive vehicle damage and a higher risk of serious injury. Rear-end accidents at higher speeds may also push vehicles into adjacent lanes or oncoming traffic, creating chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles.
Seatbelts are designed to help keep drivers and passengers securely inside the vehicle during a crash. When used properly, they reduce the risk of ejection and help distribute crash forces across stronger parts of the body. People who are not restrained face a much greater risk of being thrown from the vehicle, which can lead to life-threatening injuries or fatalities, especially in high-impact collisions.
Safety experts review road conditions, traffic flow, and vehicle movement patterns after major crashes. Factors such as wet or uneven pavement, congestion, and sudden braking behavior can all influence how a collision unfolds. In addition, investigators may examine skid marks, vehicle positioning, and damage patterns to better understand the sequence of impacts.
These details can help explain how a crash developed and why certain injuries occurred. Multi-vehicle accidents often require extended scene reviews because multiple drivers, vehicles, and impact points may be involved, making it more complex to determine the chain of events.
