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The Tucson Police Department’s Traffic Investigations Unit has been notified of a delayed fatality, stemming from a recent vehicle collision that occurred this week on Tucson’s Westside.
On Wednesday, May 17th, patrol officers from Operations Division West were dispatched to the report of a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of N. Oracle Rd. and W. Wetmore Road. Police arrived just after 8:30 a.m., along with personnel from the Tucson Fire Department. The driver of a 1971 Chevrolet pickup sustained serious injuries and was transported by TFD to Banner University Medical Center. The other involved driver, identified as a 20-year-old female, was not injured and interviewed by officers at the scene.
According to witness interviews, officers determined that the Chevrolet was traveling north on Oracle Road and attempting to make a left turn onto westbound Wetmore Road. As the Chevrolet turned left, a southbound 2004 Ford F-250 collided into it. Officers later followed up with the driver of the Chevrolet at the hospital, where his condition was upgraded to stable. After reviewing interviews and evidence, the driver of the Chevrolet, 88-year-old Joe Dean Rusk, was issued a civil citation for failure to yield while making a left turn.
On May 19th, Mr. Rusk passed away as a result of the injuries he sustained from the collision. The Office of the Medical Examiner notified TPD and detectives from the Traffic Investigations Unit are now reviewing the case.
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