Arizona state Senate candidate John McLean dies in suspected DUI crash: 'A true public servant'

On Friday in Tucson, Arizona, a Democratic candidate for the Senate was fatally injured in a DUI crash at dawn, according to police.

According to the Tucson Police Department, 68-year-old John McLean died after being struck by a vehicle driven by 27-year-old Michael Martin Creel, who is being held at the Pima County Jail on manslaughter and aggravated DUI charges.

The fatal crash was caused by speed and impairment, as determined by police at the scene where McLean died.

In December 2023, a DUI case against Creel was dismissed, according to court documents obtained by 13 News.

The Arizona Senate Democrats also confirmed McLean's passing.

"The group expressed their heartbreak over the passing of LD17 Senate Candidate John McLean, who spent his final days fighting for a better Arizona. They were grateful for his work and dedication to the state. The group also extended their deepest sympathies to John's family and loved ones."

McLean and Leach were vying for the District 17 seat in the Arizona Senate. Leach also expressed his sympathies to McLean's loved ones.

""John was a good man who conducted himself honorably as a candidate. My deepest condolences go out to John’s family and friends in this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with the McLean family for their tragic loss today," Leach said."

McLean conceded the race less than 24 hours before the crash, despite being behind by more than 3,000 votes when election results were announced on Friday afternoon.

"I am proud of the work that so many people put into our campaign, even though the outcome wasn't what we hoped for. It has been an honor and a privilege to run as the Democratic candidate for the LD17 Senate seat," McLean wrote on his campaign Facebook page.

Sen. Mitzi Epstein expressed her sympathy in a statement following her conversation with McLean on Monday.

John's optimism about Arizonans remained unwavering, even as he volunteered for a long-hour job every day, bringing a smile and thoughtful words to every door. Epstein wrote about his experience in a post on X.

Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, honored McLean as a "true public servant" and expressed regret over his passing.

John was a devoted public servant who deeply cared about Arizona. He always put his community's best interests first and will be remembered for it. This is a heartbreaking loss, and I am sending all my love to his family and loved ones.

Police said that the investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing.

Stepheny Price is a writer for Planet Chronicle Digital.