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TPD: Deadly crash near Valencia Road involving a motorcycle

crash on valencia.jpg
Posted at 3:55 PM, Mar 30, 2023
and last updated 2023-03-31 20:22:51-04

Updated on Friday, March 31, 2023 at 5:15 p.m.

On Thursday, March 30, 2023, around 2:15 p.m., officers responded to a crash involving a green 2011 Kawasaki ZX600 motorcycle and green 2018 Ford F150 pickup truck.

The incident occurred at the intersection of South Alvernon Way and East Valencia Road.

The rider was pronounced dead on scene.

He has been identified as 32-year-old Jonathan Michael Gates. Next of kin has been notified.

According to TPD, Gates was traveling southbound on Alvernon Way in the median lane on a solid green light.

The Ford was trying to make a left turn from northbound Alvernon Way onto westbound Valencia Road, leading to the motorcycle crashing with the passenger side of the pickup truck.

The 59-year-old male driver of the Ford immediately stopped, cooperated with the investigation and was not impaired.

Failure to yield while making a left turn is the major contributing factor of the collision.

The driver of the Ford was cited and released for a moving violation resulting in injury/death.

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Tucson police responded to a deadly crash involving a motorcyclist.

The incident occurred on South Alvernon Way and East Valencia Road.

Officers advise drivers to avoid the area and find an alternate route.

Investigation remains ongoing.

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Bivian Contreras is a real-time editor for KGUN 9. Bivian graduated from the University of Arizona School of Journalism with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Broadcast and is currently pursuing a degree in Broadcast Operational Meteorology. Share your story ideas and important issues with Bivian by emailing bivian.contreras@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.