Sophia Troetel and Josiah Santos die in fatal Tucson car crash

Sophia Troetel and Josiah Santos die in fatal Tucson car crash
Fatal Tucson car crash deaths of Sophia Troetel and Josiah Santos

University of Arizona students Sophia Troetel, aged 21, and Josiah Santos, 22, have died following a severe collision. The incident, involving a hit-and-run, is being investigated by local authorities.

Tucson police reported the fatal accident occurred near the intersection of 2nd Street and Euclid Avenue shortly after 11 p.m. Thursday. The driver, identified as 19-year-old Louis John Artal, was operating a 2019 Porsche Boxster.

According to police reports, Artal was driving at excessive speeds and was under the influence at the time of the accident. The students were reportedly crossing a designated crosswalk when the vehicle struck them.

Louis John Artal has been formally charged with two counts of second-degree murder, one count of aggravated assault, and one count of fleeing the scene of a fatal accident.

A court appearance for Artal was held on Friday. A judge set his financial guarantee at $250,000. He remains incarcerated pending further proceedings.

The third individual involved, whose identity has not been made public, is receiving medical treatment in the intensive care unit. The sister of the injured person expressed concern regarding her sibling’s condition.

Law enforcement officials have named Louis John Artal as the primary suspect in the fatal hit-and-run incident occurring near the University of Arizona campus.

During an appearance before a judge, Artal’s legal representative did not explicitly confirm his involvement in the accident, though he acknowledged the driver’s departure from the scene. The attorney stated that Artal was advised by his father to turn himself in. Mr. Artal’s father, who arrived from California, is present supporting his son during this difficult time.