PD: Wrong way driver blamed for crash in Mesa

MESA, AZ - Police say an elderly driver going the wrong way is to blame for a serious crash in Mesa Sunday.

Police spokesman Steve Berry said the accident happened around 2 p.m. near Recker and McDowell roads.

Berry said an 87-year-old driver was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Recker Road when he hit three cars.

On Monday police said that driver, John Schrier, died at a local hospital. His 85-year-old female passenger is in life-threatening condition.

The female passenger in a Mazda van also suffered life-threatening injuries, while the male driver of that vehicle was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries.

In a third vehicle, the female driver and her female passenger suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The three occupants in a fourth vehicle all refused medical treatment at the scene of the accident.

Witnesses told investigators the car driven by Schrier had run a red light before crossing into oncoming traffic. Police said it is unknown at this time why he was driving the wrong way.

Recker Road was closed for hours while police worked to clear the scene.