On February 3rd, 2024, at approximately 3:10 pm, Chino Valley Police officers were dispatched to a two-vehicle collision that occurred on S. State Route 89 at Road 3 South. When officers arrived on scene, they found two heavily damaged vehicles in the middle of the roadway. One vehicle was a maroon 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis, and the other was a red 2020 Subaru Ascent.
The Mercury was occupied by two people. The driver was identified as 72-year-old Chino Valley resident Saundra Deiley. A passenger, identified as 85-year-old Chino Valley resident Richard Deiley, was seated in the front passenger seat. The Subaru was occupied by three people. The driver was a 44-year-old female from Chino Valley and her two small children were secured in the rear seat of the Subaru at the time of the collision.
Both Saundra and Richard Deiley were critically injured and were transported to area hospitals where they later succumbed to their injuries. Next of kin notifications were made. The driver and two small children in the Subaru sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the Mercury was travelling westbound on East Road 3 South and came to a stop at South SR89. Based on witness statements, the Mercury was attempting to make a left turn to go south on SR89. While crossing the northbound lanes of SR 89, the Mercury pulled in front of the Subaru, which was travelling northbound on SR 89 in the number one lane. The Subaru collided with the driver’s side of the Mercury, and both came to a stop in the middle of the roadway. Although the traffic collision investigation is still on-going, speed and/or impairment do not seem to be contributing factors to the collision.
The Chino Valley Police Department would like to thank motorists for their understanding and patience while the roadway was closed temporarily, and detours were provided. The roadway was cleared at approximately 6:46 pm. We also want to thank our partnering agencies for their assistance, including the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, Lifeline Ambulance, Native Air, Custom Towing, and Tri-City Towing.
