Tragic Loss: Maria Sanchez Dies Two Weeks After Horrific Crash at 107th and Northern in Peoria

PEORIA, AZ — A woman who sustained critical injuries in a major vehicle collision two weeks ago at a busy Peoria intersection has sadly died, according to local authorities and her grieving family. The crash occurred at the intersection of 107th and Northern avenues and left the victim hospitalized in extremely critical condition until her passing was confirmed on Friday.

The woman, whose identity is being withheld pending official notification of extended family, was reportedly behind the wheel of a compact sedan when the collision occurred around 6:45 p.m. on [insert date two weeks prior]. Witnesses say the scene quickly turned chaotic as multiple vehicles were involved and traffic in all directions came to a halt.

Emergency responders from the Peoria Fire-Medical Department rushed to the scene within minutes of the crash. According to initial reports from the Peoria Police Department, the incident involved at least two vehicles—one of which may have been traveling at a high rate of speed. The exact sequence of events remains under investigation.

The woman was found unconscious and unresponsive when first responders arrived. She was immediately transported to a nearby trauma center with life-threatening injuries, including severe head trauma and multiple internal injuries. For the past two weeks, she had been in the intensive care unit, where doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize her condition.

“This is an incredibly tragic outcome,” said Peoria Police spokesperson Sgt. Brandon Sheffert. “Our hearts go out to the woman’s family and loved ones as they begin the painful process of grieving. We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this collision and will release further details as they become available.”

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether alcohol, drugs, distracted driving, or excessive speed played a role in the crash. However, witnesses at the scene told investigators that one of the vehicles appeared to have run a red light just moments before the impact. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

In the aftermath of the crash, the intersection at 107th and Northern was closed for several hours while police conducted a thorough on-scene reconstruction. Traffic was diverted for much of the evening as crews cleared debris and documented the site.

Family members of the victim described her as a kind and loving woman with a bright spirit and deep roots in the community. “She had a heart of gold,” said a cousin who asked not to be named. “She was just on her way home from work—she wasn’t doing anything wrong. This should never have happened.”

Neighbors and local residents echoed those sentiments, expressing sadness and frustration about what they say is an increasingly dangerous intersection. “That area has become a nightmare,” said Carla Benson, who lives nearby. “People speed through it constantly, and I’ve seen near-misses almost every week. Something needs to be done before another life is lost.”

The city of Peoria has been actively working to address traffic safety concerns throughout the region. Following this latest incident, community members are renewing calls for traffic signal upgrades, increased law enforcement presence, and public awareness campaigns around driving safety.

The woman’s death marks another painful reminder of the fragility of life and the consequences that can arise from a moment of negligence or distraction behind the wheel. Her family is expected to release a formal statement and obituary in the coming days, and a memorial is being planned at the site of the crash where mourners have already begun placing flowers and candles.

Peoria police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dash camera footage from that evening to come forward to assist with the investigation. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Witness or directly to the Peoria Police Department’s Traffic Division.

This is a developing story. More details will be shared as they become available.