Arizona State Senate Candidate Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver 1 Day After Conceding Race

John McLean, 68, was killed in a fatal collision in his hometown in Arizona on Nov. 15

A Democratic candidate for the Arizona State Senate has been killed in a suspected DUI crash in Arizona.

John McLean, 68, was driving a Toyota RAV4 in his hometown of Tucson on the morning of Friday, Nov. 15, when he was hit and killed by an allegedly drunk driver as they ran through a stop sign at an intersection, the Tucson Police Department confirmed, per The Associated Press, Fox News and CBS affiliate KOLD.

Police confirmed an incident took place on Friday in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Traffic detectives are investigating a fatal collision this morning involving two vehicles at E. Broadway Blvd. & N. Ridgeside Dr. Expect delays in the area. One person was pronounced deceased at the scene,” they wrote.

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The tragic incident occurred one day after McLean conceded his race to his Republican opponent Vince Leach for Arizona state Senate.

The driver who struck McLean has been identified as 27-year-old Michael Martin Creel, according to multiple reports. He was not seriously injured in the crash.

Creel was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and aggravated driving under the influence and he was sent to Pima County Jail. His arrest comes after a DUI case against him was reportedly dismissed in December 2023, according to court documents obtained by KOLD.

PEOPLE has contacted the Tucson Police Department for further comment.

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The Pima County Democratic Party confirmed McLean's death in a statement posted on Facebook on Friday, writing that they were “heartbroken to hear of the tragic death of John McLean by a drunk driver this morning.”

“We got to know John on the campaign trail, but as a third-generation Arizonan, he has long served Tucson. We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers for healing to John’s family and loved ones,” the party continued.

“John was a leader in Pima County even before he stepped up to better our state, and run for Arizona State Senate in Legislative District 17. John was an active outdoorsman and volunteer for many organizations. His advocacy, and philanthropy in education, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare were remarkable,” the statement concluded.

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On Nov. 14, McLean conceded his race for state senate to rival Leach, 76, writing on Facebook, “It has been an honor and a privilege to run as the Democratic candidate for the LD17 Senate seat. While the outcome isn’t what we hoped for, I am proud of the work that so many people put into our campaign.”

Leach described McLean as “a good man who conducted himself honorably as a candidate” and passed his condolences onto his family, per the AP.

Departing Republican Sen. Justine Wadsack also shared a statement to the AP, saying, “John was deeply rooted in Tucson’s community, was a graduate of the University of Arizona, retired Tucson business owner, and regular volunteer with the Humane Society. This is a travesty in every way.”