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High-profile Valley attorney dies after being struck by 2 cars in Phoenix

Posted at 10:20 AM, Jan 23, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-23 18:06:50-05

PHOENIX — An 82-year-old man who died Tuesday night after he was struck by two vehicles on a Phoenix street has been identified as a high-profile Valley attorney.

The crash near 7th Street and Orangewood Avenue around 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Police say the victim, 82-year-old John Bouma, reportedly walked on to 7th Street, when he was struck by a car headed northbound.

The impact pushed Bouma into southbound lanes of traffic and a second vehicle hit him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say Bouma may have walked into the road to pick up an item.

The drivers are not believed to have been impaired at the time and speed does not appear to be a factor. An investigation into the crash is ongoing.

The State Bar of Arizona released a statement on Wednesday, citing Bouma's "admirable legal career spanning nearly 57 years".

"Among John Bouma's many contributions to the legal profession was his service as President of the State Bar of Arizona from 1983 to 1984," said Jeffrey Willis, current President of the State Bar and Bouma's partner at Snell & Wilmer. "John is recognized nationally as one of the finest lawyers in America. More importantly, his service to our shared community has made Arizona better in countless ways. We are truly saddened to lose such an important friend and leader. John will be sorely missed by all those who knew and respected him."