2026-02-08 Southbound Central near Elwood. Police say a the driver of a van veered to the right crossing into the separated bike lane, killing a bicyclist and continued up the curb and on to sidewalk. The driver fled the scene. Police say he admitted using fentanyl and continued on his way to purchase some more.
Street note: this area has been reconfigured over the past several years and now is complete, but the google views are not current. The road now has a light rail and has been reduced from two to one lane in each direction in addition to what appears to be a buffered bike lane.
azfamily.com news story.
Suspect is 46-year-old Eric Hodge. The victim is 26 y.o. Hannah Henry, an ASU alum and triathlete.
As I’ve noted before, proactive police enforcement of traffic laws in Phoenix (and elsewhere!) has declined dramatically over the years, as serious traffic collisions have soared.
I ride this road from South Mountain Park to the Rio Salado bike trail at least 2 times per month. Generally, I feel pretty safe, as the new bike lane is well marked and I watch approaching cars in my mirror for errant behavior. Pot and alcohol use have always concerned me since I have ridden the area since the 70’s.
This needless killing of a vibrant human being, a contributing member of society by an addicted scumbag, disgusts me. People like this guy are a drag on societal resources and as far as I am concerned, there is no excuse for his behavior.
Hannah was a very accomplished elite athlete from Victoria, BC.
She was a two time NCAA champ during here time with ASU
https://vicnews.com/2026/02/17/victoria-triathlete-killed-in-alleged-hit-and-run-in-phoenix/