Thomas Allan Longanecker, 69, died Wednesday afternoon after his white 2004 Toyota Tacoma crashed on East Speedway west of North Houghton Road in Tucson, officials said. According to the Tucson Police Department, Longanecker veered over the raised median, struck a tree, and collided with a westbound Mercedes-Benz before being transported to the hospital, where he died.
Longanecker was driving eastbound on East Speedway when his vehicle abruptly veered over the raised center median just west of North Houghton Road, according to the Tucson Police Department. After crossing the median, the white 2004 Toyota Tacoma struck a tree located in the median before continuing into oncoming westbound traffic, where it collided with a black 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS. The driver of the Mercedes-Benz sustained minor injuries, officials said.
Longanecker was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, authorities confirmed.
Emergency responders transported Longanecker to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, authorities confirmed. Despite medical efforts, Longanecker died shortly after arrival at the hospital on Wednesday afternoon.
The Tucson Police Department responded to the scene shortly after the incident, which occurred just after noon. Following the crash, drivers were advised to avoid the area near the intersection of East Speedway and North Houghton Road as investigators conducted their work. Detectives with the department are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, including why Longanecker’s vehicle crossed the median and veered into westbound lanes.
At the time of reporting, investigators had not determined what caused the sudden maneuver. Officials have indicated that the abrupt veering could be related to a possible medical event or mechanical failure, but no definitive cause has been established. The raised center median and the collision with a tree are factors under review as part of the ongoing investigation.
Records show that no other fatalities occurred in the incident, and the only other person involved, the Mercedes-Benz driver, suffered minor injuries. Authorities continue to gather information, including reviewing witness statements and any available surveillance footage from the area.
The Tucson Police Department has not released additional details about the crash or Longanecker’s condition prior to the incident. The investigation remains open as officials work to piece together the sequence of events and contributing factors that led to the fatal collision on East Speedway.
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