Tucson Mourns Beloved Student Katya Castillo-Mendoza After Tragic Collision Near Campus
In Tucson, Arizona, heartbreak has swept through the community following the tragic passing of Katya Rosaura Castillo-Mendoza, age 21, who lost her life after a devastating hit-and-run collision near the intersection of East Second Street and Euclid Avenue. The incident occurred late at night when Katya and two friends were crossing at a marked crosswalk.
According to authorities, the driver of a high-performance sports car was traveling at an excessive speed and failed to yield to pedestrians before striking them. After the collision, the driver fled the scene, leaving bystanders and emergency responders to rush to the victims’ aid. Katya was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition but sadly passed away from her injuries early the following morning.
The crash also claimed the lives of two other young people, Sophia Akimi Troetel, age 21, and Josiah Patrick Santos, age 22**,** both students and close friends of Katya. The trio were described as bright, hardworking, and full of life. They had been walking home after spending time together when tragedy struck.
The driver, a 19-year-old male, was later apprehended by Tucson police. Investigators determined that he had been impaired at the time of the crash. He now faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder, driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. The news of his arrest brought a small measure of relief, but it could not ease the heartbreak felt by the victims’ families.
Katya’s friends and loved ones have described her as a kind-hearted, radiant young woman whose warmth and energy brought people together. Known for her compassion and dedication, Katya was deeply loved by her peers, teachers, and community. Her friends recall her as someone who could lift spirits with her smile and who always made time to listen and help others.
Aiea High School graduate and University of Arizona student, Katya was pursuing her dreams with enthusiasm and grace. Those who knew her said she was driven by a desire to make a difference and was already inspiring those around her through her positivity and determination.
The University of Arizona community has been deeply shaken by the loss. Candlelight vigils and memorials are being planned to honor Katya, Sophia, and Josiah. Students, faculty, and local residents have placed flowers, photos, and notes at the crash site, transforming it into a space of remembrance and reflection.
Family members of Katya have expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from the community. They remember her as a loving daughter and sister who radiated light wherever she went. “She had a heart full of love and a spirit that touched everyone around her,” one family member said.
Police have confirmed that the crash occurred just after 11 p.m., and the intersection was closed for several hours while investigators gathered evidence. The tragic event has reignited discussions about pedestrian safety and responsible driving, with many residents calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws around the university area.
Katya’s passing has left a lasting void in the hearts of those who knew her. Friends have taken to social media to share stories of her laughter, generosity, and dreams for the future. “She was the kind of person who made life better just by being there,” one friend wrote.
As Tucson continues to grieve, Katya’s memory lives on through the love she shared and the community she helped build. Her passing, alongside that of Sophia and Josiah, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion, safety, and connection in everyday life.
Though she is gone, Katya Rosaura Castillo-Mendoza’s light endures in the countless lives she touched—a symbol of hope, kindness, and strength for all who mourn her today.