Driver Died Following Tucson Vehicle Crash

A 38-year-old man was killed after his vehicle veered off the road and hit a boulder.

Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Accidents

Driver Died Following Tucson Vehicle Crash

Kodi Roy Payne, 38, died after his vehicle veered off the road and came to rest on top of a boulder in Tucson. The driver was the only occupant involved in the incident.

Why it matters

The fatal crash is under investigation, with authorities noting the incident may have been caused by a sudden medical emergency. Investigators are working to confirm the exact circumstances that led to the vehicle leaving the road.

Deputies arrived at the 3300 block of East Benson Highway at 2:10 p.m. to respond to the scene. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

The players

Kodi Roy Payne

He was the 38-year-old driver and sole occupant involved in the fatal vehicle crash.

Pima County Sheriff's Department

This is the local law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the circumstances of the incident.

The details

The single-vehicle crash occurred when the car left the roadway and struck a boulder. First responders removed the unresponsive driver, but he did not survive.

Timeline

  1. The crash occurred on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026.

  2. Deputies arrived at the scene at 2:10 p.m. on Sept. 24, 2026.

Legal Context

The incident mirrors documented trends in local traffic safety reports where medical episodes are cited as a common factor in single-vehicle fatalities. It highlights ongoing efforts by local authorities to investigate crashes involving potential driver impairment or sudden health issues.

Residents in the area near East Benson Highway should expect minor traffic delays while the investigation concludes. No further public safety advisories have been issued at this time.

The takeaway

Drivers should remain aware of how sudden medical conditions can impact vehicle control and road safety. Routine health screenings are a vital, often overlooked component of maintaining driver readiness and overall public safety.

Further reading

Learn more about local safety trends in our Accidents section.