Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash at 59th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard Claims Life in West Phoenix

A devastating hit-and-run collision early Saturday morning in west Phoenix resulted in one fatality and led to multiple serious charges against the alleged impaired driver. The incident occurred around 6:00 AM on January 27, 2024, near the intersection of 59th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard, when 19-year-old Enrique Renteria Arroyo allegedly ran a stop sign while speeding southbound on 58th Drive. His vehicle collided with another car driven by 51-year-old Aquileo Najera. Phoenix Police responded promptly to reports of a crash with injuries, but despite their quick arrival, Najera succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Arroyo initially fled the location on foot but was later apprehended by law enforcement at a nearby residence. After being taken into custody, Arroyo reportedly admitted to being impaired at the time of the crash. He was subsequently booked into jail facing multiple charges, including DUI, manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

In Arizona, evidence of drunk driving can significantly strengthen a wrongful death lawsuit and potentially increase the compensation awarded to the victim's family. When a driver is legally intoxicated (BAC of 0.08% or higher), this typically establishes per se negligence, meaning the defendant is automatically considered negligent without requiring additional proof of careless behavior. More significantly, drunk driving often justifies a claim for punitive damages in addition to standard compensatory damages, as courts view driving under the influence as showing a reckless disregard for human life. Punitive damages, which are meant to punish especially egregious conduct and deter others, can substantially increase the total award amount. In some cases, criminal conviction for DUI manslaughter can be used as evidence in the civil case, making it easier to establish liability. Additionally, if the drunk driver was served alcohol at a bar or restaurant while visibly intoxicated, Arizona's dram shop laws may allow the victim's family to pursue claims against that establishment, potentially providing an additional source of compensation. A good Phoenix drunk driving accident attorney will be needed to handle the complicated personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision occurred in a residential area of west Phoenix, where 58th Drive intersects with Encanto Boulevard near 59th Avenue. This neighborhood, situated between Maryvale and West Phoenix, features a mix of residential streets and larger arterial roads. The intersection where the crash occurred is controlled by stop signs on 58th Drive, requiring traffic to halt before crossing Encanto Boulevard. This area is approximately five miles west of downtown Phoenix and is characterized by moderate to heavy traffic during peak hours, with Encanto Boulevard serving as a significant east-west corridor in this section of the city. The proximity to both residential areas and major thoroughfares makes this intersection a crucial point for local traffic management.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Arizona law, leaving the scene of a fatal accident is a Class 2 felony, carrying significant penalties including potential imprisonment and fines. Arizona's wrongful death statute (A.R.S. § 12-612) allows surviving family members to pursue compensation from responsible parties, with a statute of limitations of two years from the date of death. In cases involving DUI, victims' families may be entitled to both compensatory and punitive damages. Arizona's comparative negligence laws could affect compensation amounts, though they typically don't apply in DUI cases. Available compensation may include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, and pain and suffering damages. Insurance claims typically involve both the at-fault driver's liability coverage and potential uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage from the victim's policy.

Related Resources

• Emergency Services:
  • Phoenix Police Department Non-Emergency: (602) 262-6151
  • Phoenix Fire Department: (602) 495-5555
  • Maricopa County Medical Examiner: (602) 506-3322
• Traffic Safety Resources:
  • Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety
  • City of Phoenix Vision Zero Program
  • MADD Arizona Chapter
• Victim Support Services:
  • Arizona Criminal Justice Commission Victim Services
  • Parents of Murdered Children (POMC) Phoenix Chapter
  • Arizona DPS Victim Services Unit
• Legal Resources:
  • Arizona Revised Statutes Title 28 (Transportation)
  • Maricopa County Superior Court Victim Services
  • Arizona Department of Transportation Crash Report Portal