ÃÛÌÒÓ°ÏñAV

The students were walking in a marked but unlit crosswalk at North Euclid Avenue and East Second Street, near East University Boulevard, Thursday night when they were struck by a car that police said was speeding. Josiah Santos, 22, Sophia Troetel, 21, and Katya Castillo-Mendoza, 21, died of their injuries.

"This is about more than one case. This is about a community that has cried out for safety in this area — a community that has lost too much, too often, to preventable tragedy. We call on city leaders to act now, before more families suffer," said Andrea Hope Santos, Santos' mother, in a written statement Saturday.

She did not specify city actions she and the other families seek.

But on , with about 4,800 signatures as of early Sunday, calls on Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and the City Council to install a HAWK (High-Intensity Activated Cross Walk) with flashing beacons at the Euclid and Second Street crosswalks.

"The Euclid and 2nd St crosswalks are used daily by students, faculty, residents, and tourists, yet lack the infrastructure to keep them safe," the petition says, adding that since the deadly Thursday crash, "the community is desperate for the city to take action."

It says HAWK flashing beacons have been installed at more than 130 locations throughout Tucson, and that according to the Federal Highway Administration, pedestrian crashes drop significantly due to HAWKS.

Tucson has been described as a pioneer in the use of HAWK signals, the Arizona Department of Transportation has reported, adding that a 2010 study showed the signals led to a 69% decrease in pedestrian crashes and a 29% drop in total crashes.

Among about 40 online comments on the petition are:

• "3 amazing people should still be alive with us. This tragedy could've been prevented with a traffic light. This intersection is a nightmare for pedestrian visibility."
• "I've used this crosswalk many times throughout college. It has always been difficult and dangerous to cross. There are no lights at the crosswalk and it's an extremely busy road with two-way traffic." 
• "Living in the neighborhood for the past three years, I've seen multiple close calls and several people get hit at that crosswalk over the years. This is completely unacceptable ... an ongoing problem with no one working towards a resolution. This needs to be fixed."
• "I'm a parent of a U of A student who is a wheelchair user which makes him even harder for speeding vehicles to see. Please make the crossings safer for everyone."
• "(A request) has been submitted to traffic engineering for their review for a pedestrian light at E 2nd St and N Euclid Ave. What will it take to get them to take action?"

Topaz Servellon, a friend of Troetel, told the ÃÛÌÒÓ°ÏñAV Friday that the Euclid and Second Street intersection is known as a site of accidents and is dangerous because there’s no light for crossing. Servellon said a "call to action" should be put out for a crosswalk light to be installed there.

Citywide, Tucson police report that 26 pedestrians have been killed this year, and that 25 had been killed as of this date in 2024. 

Here is Andrea Hope Santos' statement in full:

Our families are devastated beyond words by the loss of Josiah Patrick Santos, Sophia Akimi Troetel, and Katya Castillo-Mendoza, whose lives were tragically taken in a Tucson crash at approximately 11:00 PM on October 30, 2025.

These three beautiful souls were full of love, laughter, drive, and light.

Josiah brought music and joy wherever he went — he sang, he danced, and he dreamed big.

Sophia was radiant and fierce, with a heart that loved deeply and inspired everyone around her.

Together, they were unstoppable — two hearts creating one bright light.

Both Josiah and Sophia were active members of the Tucson community and seniors at the University of Arizona, where they pursued their passions and touched countless lives through their kindness, creativity, and dedication to making a difference.

Katya, who fought with courage after the crash, was removed from life support on October 31, 2025. She was kind, full of energy and compassion, and a friend to so many — another brilliant light gone far too soon.

Josiah Patrick Santos is survived by his father, Leo Santos Jr. of California; his mother, Andrea Hope Santos, who loved him so fiercely; his brother Leo James Santos, currently serving in Germany; his sisters Sarah Santos of California, Mathia Santos of Arizona, and Rey Santos of Arizona; and his brother Isaac Santos of California.

Our hearts are shattered. Three young people with their whole lives ahead of them are gone — because of one person’s choice to drive impaired and recklessly, ignoring every warning and endangering others.

We have been informed that the driver has been formally charged in connection with this tragedy, and we trust that the justice system will continue to pursue full accountability for the lives that were taken. We are deeply grateful to law enforcement, investigators, and prosecutors who are treating this case with the seriousness and care it deserves.

But this is about more than one case. This is about a community that has cried out for safety in this area — a community that has lost too much, too often, to preventable tragedy. We call on city leaders to act now, before more families suffer.

As grieving families, we will not be silent. We will speak their names.

Josiah Patrick Santos. Sophia Akimi Troetel. Katya Castillo-Mendoza.

Their light will continue to shine through every voice demanding change, accountability, and justice.

We ask for privacy as we continue to navigate this unimaginable loss, and we thank everyone who has reached out with love, prayers, and support. Please hold these three beautiful souls — and their families — in your hearts.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever missed.

💔

The Santos family will welcome all who wish to honor Josiah at his Celebration of Life, which will be announced once arrangements are made.

Andrea Hope Santos