TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Arizona community is reeling from profound heartbreak after a devastating hit-and-run crash on the night of October 30, 2025, claimed the lives of three cherished students. The victims — 21-year-old Sophia Akimi Troetel, 22-year-old Josiah Patrick Santos, and Katya Castillo-Mendoza — were struck and killed near campus, leaving classmates, professors, and loved ones mourning an unimaginable loss that has shaken the entire Tucson community.
According to the Tucson Police Department, the fatal collision occurred just before midnight near the intersection of Speedway Boulevard and Mountain Avenue, a busy area frequently traveled by students. Authorities say the three victims were walking in a crosswalk when a speeding vehicle ran a red light, striking them before fleeing the scene. Despite the swift response of emergency personnel, all three victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver has not yet been identified, and police are urging witnesses or anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.
In the wake of the tragedy, grief has rippled through the University of Arizona campus, where students, faculty, and community members gathered for an emotional candlelight vigil to honor Sophia, Josiah, and Katya. Flowers, photos, and handwritten notes now line the area near the site of the crash — a solemn memorial to three lives full of promise and potential that ended far too soon.
Sophia Troetel, a 21-year-old junior studying public health, was known for her radiant kindness and dedication to helping others. Friends described her as a bright light with a passion for making a difference, someone who dreamed of working in global health to improve lives around the world. “Sophia was the type of person who made you believe in goodness,” one classmate shared. “She cared deeply, and she had this energy that made people feel seen and valued.”
Josiah Santos, 22, was a senior majoring in computer engineering, remembered by friends and professors as brilliant, hardworking, and endlessly compassionate. Known for his humor and generosity, Josiah was the one his friends turned to in times of stress. “He was our rock,” said a close friend. “Always calm, always encouraging. He had such a bright future ahead of him.”
Katya Castillo-Mendoza, whose age has not yet been officially confirmed, was described as a creative and determined young woman with an infectious smile and an incredible sense of empathy. A first-generation college student, Katya’s achievements filled her family with immense pride. “She worked so hard to be here,” said a family member through tears. “She wanted to build a better life — for herself and for her family.”
University of Arizona President Dr. Robert C. Robbins released a statement expressing the institution’s deep sorrow:
“We are heartbroken beyond words. Sophia, Josiah, and Katya were beloved members of our Wildcat family — students with extraordinary talent, compassion, and promise. Their passing is an unbearable loss, and our hearts are with their families and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
Counseling services have been made available to students, staff, and faculty as the university community struggles to process the tragedy. Grief counselors are stationed at key campus locations, and memorial services are being planned in collaboration with the victims’ families.
Meanwhile, investigators are continuing to review surveillance footage and appeal to the public for any information that could help identify the driver responsible. Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar emphasized the urgency of the search, saying, “These young lives were taken senselessly. We are committed to finding the person responsible and ensuring justice for the victims and their families.”
As the investigation unfolds, the University of Arizona community remains united in grief — and in love. Vigils, social media tributes, and classroom remembrances continue to pour in, honoring the legacies of Sophia, Josiah, and Katya. Their names, now etched into the hearts of all who knew them, will forever symbolize kindness, ambition, and the preciousness of life.
“They were supposed to have their whole lives ahead of them,” said one student at the vigil. “Instead, we’re here lighting candles in their memory. It’s not fair — but we’ll make sure they’re never forgotten.”
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the Tucson Police Department’s Traffic Investigations Unit or submit anonymous tips through 88-CRIME.
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