The driver who struck nine vehicles Friday morning has died from his injuries after hitting several vehicles in the parking lot of the Pima Animal Care Center.
Edward Robert Lopez, 59, died on Dec. 23 from his injuries, according to the Tucson Police Department. Detectives are trying to determine if Lopez was having a medical emergency at the time of the collision. There was no sign of impairment but speed was a factor, police said.
Tucson police received a call around 10:15 a.m. regarding a mid-size white 2009 Acura headed eastbound at a high rate of speed on West Sweetwater Drive, a department spokesman.
The white car struck another vehicle, causing it to roll down an embankment, police said. Lopez continued eastbound at a high rate of speed. At one point, he moved into the westbound lane to pass vehicles.
Lopez continued eastbound on Sweetwater and sped through a red light at North Silverbell Road, police said. He entered the PACC parking lot, hit a curb, went airborne, and struck two vehicles, which hit other vehicles in the parking lot. Lopez kept going and rolled over a truck before landing and coming to a stop.
In all, nine vehicles were involved in the wrecks. At the time, Lopez was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. No other serious injuries were reported . The PACC building was not damaged.
