Mark William Haffner dies in fatal Tucson car crash.

Mark William Haffner dies in fatal Tucson car crash.

Fatal Tucson car crash death of Mark William Haffner.

Tucson law enforcement authorities have shared updated details regarding a fatal collision that took place on the morning of August 23. According to the Tucson Police Department, the incident occurred around 3:00 AM. Responding officers were dispatched to the eastbound section of East Aviation Parkway, specifically located east of the Kino Parkway overpass, following a report of a multi-vehicle accident.

The operator of a white 1998 Toyota Tacoma was confirmed deceased at the scene. Authorities have identified the driver as a 64-year-old individual named Mark William Haffner. Meanwhile, the occupant of a bronze 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche sustained only minor injuries and remained at the location.

Preliminary findings from the police indicate that Haffner, who was proceeding eastbound on Aviation Parkway, encountered a tire issue. He then pulled his vehicle over to the right shoulder and remained seated inside. Subsequently, the driver of the Avalanche, who was also heading east on the same roadway, crossed into the opposing lane. This led to a collision involving the rear of the Tacoma. The incident resulted in the death of Haffner.

A specialized officer assigned to the driving under the influence unit assessed the driver of the Avalanche. This individual, identified as 34-year-old Carlos Samaniego, Jr., was determined to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. As a result, he was processed for booking at Pima County Jail, facing charges including second degree murder.

The Tucson Police Department stated that current knowledge attributes the contributing factors to this tragic incident to Samaniego’s unsafe driving behavior on the roadway and his suspected impairment at the time of the collision.