TEMPE, AZ — The Tempe Police Department is investigating a deadly crash involving two pedestrians.
Authorities say a man and woman were crossing the street near Mill Avenue and University Drive around 2:30 a.m. Sunday when they were struck by a vehicle going westbound on University.
The 42-year-old woman, identified as Kelly Maeve Scott, was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. The man suffered serious injuries, according to police.
Kelly's uncle Kieran Scott, spoke with ABC15 saying, "[She was] probably one of the most oddly entertaining people I have ever known. She was a very loving and very bubbly and (a) very vivacious woman."
Kelly moved to Arizona about five years ago from southern California.
"Her friend who is bereaved beyond belief right now as well, was the one who called us in the middle of the night and told us because the sheriff had showed up," Kieran said.
Kieran said Kelly never had children of her own, but he said she played a big role in the lives of the family's children.
"She had no children so she spent most of her time making everybody else's kids happy, and being the auntie, cousin to everybody's kids," Kieran said. "She was always bringing toys and singing songs and watching Disney Channel with the kids."
Investigators say the driver responsible did not stop after hitting the two people. The vehicle was later located by Tempe police officers near 52nd Street and Broadway Road.
The driver, 36-year-old Clyde Thatcher, was arrested. Police say impairment was a factor, but excessive speed was not. He was booked into jail on charges of manslaughter, aggravated assault and hit-and-run.
