Melvina Jones dies in fatal Phoenix crash caused by suspected impaired driver

Melvina Jones dies in fatal Phoenix crash caused by suspected impaired driver

Fatal Phoenix crash death of Melvina Jones – Obituary

Late on January 29, 2026, 35-year-old Melvina Jones tragically lost her life in a crash caused by a suspected impaired driver, 40-year-old Ruben Almanza. The incident occurred after Almanza fled a traffic stop initiated by Phoenix police around 11:30 p.m. near 59th Avenue and Buckeye Road.

Almanza had been pulled over for suspected impairment, but after a brief interaction with officers, he drove off at a high speed westbound on Lower Buckeye Road. Shortly thereafter, Almanza’s vehicle collided with Jones’ car near 75th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road. Jones was pronounced dead at the scene, while Almanza, critically injured, was taken to the hospital where he later passed away.

Investigators believe Almanza crossed into oncoming traffic, causing the fatal crash. The road was closed for several hours following the incident but has since been reopened.