Police Searching for Driver of Van That Killed Ethan Tso in Phoenix on Grand Avenue
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (March 8, 2026) – A 29-year-old man identified as Ethan Tso has tragically died in a Phoenix hit-and-run car accident with a dark-colored van on Grand Avenue.
Phoenix police officials are saying that the accident took place around 6:45 PM on Friday. Ethan Tso was in the roadway when he was struck by a dark-colored van heading east on Grand Avenue.
The driver of the van did not remain at the scene. Paramedics were called to the scene of the crash to help the victim. Ethan Tso was transported to the hospital to receive treatment for serious injuries.
Despite medical care at the hospital, he was later pronounced dead. A full investigation into the accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Phoenix Car Accidents
Drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian in the roadway. Pursuant to Arizona Vehicle Code 28-792, drivers must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian that is approaching so closely from the opposite half of a roadway as to pose an immediate danger. Multiple factors could contribute to any pedestrian collision.
- Speeding: Drivers are substantially more likely to hit pedestrians if they are speeding. What many drivers do not realize is that even traveling the speed limit could be considered dangerous depending on the prevailing road conditions.
- Driver Distraction: Many pedestrian accidents involve drivers that are distracted. They may be looking at their phones or reaching for an object that fell.
- Intoxication: Another major contributing factor in pedestrian accidents is intoxication. A number of different substances could potentially impair a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely besides alcohol.
- Left Turns: Pedestrians have a naturally small profile. They’re more likely to be overlooked than other vehicles. They are particularly vulnerable when drivers are making left turns at an intersection.
If a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could be construed as negligence. Even if a pedestrian is in the middle of the roadway, this does not relieve a driver of their duty of care to slow down to avoid a crash. Liability for a pedestrian collision could extend beyond any specific driver determined to be at fault. This is particularly true if a van or some other type of commercial vehicle were being used.
Steps to Take After Phoenix Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year in pedestrian accidents. According to the IIHS, “Deaths from motor vehicle crashes with pedestrians have increased 78% since reaching their low point in 2009 and account for 18% of crash fatalities. The rates of pedestrian crash deaths per 100,000 people are highest for people ages 20 and over.” Certain steps should be taken after any pedestrian accident.
- Police: The police should be called to the scene as early as possible so that they can begin investigating.
- Evidence Preservation: All the evidence associated with the crash should be collected and preserved. This includes any vehicle fragments left over at the scene.
- Medical Records: Any medical records associated with the situation should be collected and reviewed.
- Legal Review: The family of any person who died in a Phoenix car accident should seek an independent review by a team experienced in accident reconstruction and negligence claims.
It can be difficult to know where to begin after any pedestrian accident. This is particularly true when drivers flee the scene of a collision. It is important that accident victims understand that they do have legal rights. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim. This right extends to the surviving family members of any person who died. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating Phoenix Pedestrian Accidents
We at The Law Offices of John Phebus extend our deepest condolences to the family of Ethan Tso. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. This was a preventable collision that should not have taken place. The driver responsible for this crash should do the right thing and come forward. It is never too late to do the right thing.
Do you need more information about a Phoenix car accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected through skilled advocacy. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any particular incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (623) 267-9283.
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