A University of Arizona student was struck and killed by a car on Saturday, Jan. 22. The student was identified as 20-year-old Benjamin Wolfe Davis, who was a member of the UA chapter of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity.
According to a Tucson Police Department news release, at approximately 1:43 a.m., Davis was crossing at the intersection of East Speedway Boulevard and North Mountain Avenue in or near a marked crosswalk when a Kia traveling westbound on Speedway struck Davis.
The vehicle fled the scene and was later located unoccupied in a nearby parking lot.
Davis was transported to Banner University Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Soon after arriving, he was pronounced deceased.
An investigation determined that the Kia had a green light and Davis was crossing Speedway Boulevard against a traffic signal.
Detectives identified the owner and driver of the Kia as 33-year-old Andy Otero, who was then charged with a felony for leaving the scene of a fatal collision.
“At this time the only charge he was arrested on was the felony charge of leaving the scene of a fatal accident,” said TPD Sergeant Richard Gradillas in an email to the Daily Wildcat on Monday. Gradillas added that disclosable information is limited because the case still has to go to trial.
According to TPD, there have been 10 traffic fatalities since the beginning of this year, four of which were pedestrians.
The following statement was provided by Jesse Lyons, assistant executive director for advancement and editor of the Kappa Alpha Journal, on behalf of the Kappa Alpha Order national office.
“The fraternity, especially the chapter and members, deeply mourn the loss of our brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. The national organization is in communication with the University, chapter, and alumni volunteers to support the members, including providing a counselor and access to virtual counseling.”
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