TUCSON, AZ – Arizona State Senate candidate John McLean was killed in a crash in east Tucson on Friday morning.

According to a news release from the Tucson Police Department, McLean was driving his 2019 Toyota Rav4 east on Broadway when his vehicle was struck by a 2018 Ford Explorer traveling north on North Ridgeside Drive.

The driver of the other car, 27-year-old Michael Martin Creel, allegedly failed to stop at the stop sign, the news release said.

Creel allegedly struck the passenger side of McLean’s vehicle as it passed through the intersection. McLean was pronounced dead at the scene. Creel was not seriously injured.

Tucson police determined Creel was impaired at the time of the crash. He was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and serious intoxication.

Arizona Democrats posted a statement on

McLean ran for District 17 Senate in the 2024 elections. His opponent and Senator-elect Vince Leach also released a statement.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the McLean family for their tragic loss today. John was a good man who conducted himself honorably as a candidate. My deepest condolences go out to John’s family and friends at this most difficult time. As a third-generation Arizonan, the lives John positively impacted during his lifetime are incalculable, and we should all be fortunate enough to do the same.

The accident investigation is still ongoing.