One Deceased, One Critical After Vehicle Slams Into Wall in Mesa

Vehicle Into The Wall / iSkyNews.com Drone Response Team (DRT)

By: Ciara Perez | Investigative Journalist | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published August 30th, 2025

UPDATE: September 1st: 21-year-old Marcella Manuel, was the passenger in the car who sadly passed away.

Mesa Police report that speed and impairment are believed to have been primary factors. The driver is not in custody yet as officials await a toxicology report before filing charges.

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Mesa, AZ - A quiet Mesa neighborhood was jolted awake early Saturday morning after a violent crash left one person dead and another seriously injured.

Just after 7:00 AM, a single vehicle collided with a block wall near South Val Vista Drive and East Pueblo Avenue. The impact was so forceful, bricks flew from the wall and damaged nearby homes. Mesa Fire & Medical quickly upgraded the call to a “2-in-1 Medical,” dispatching multiple engines, medic units, and a battalion chief to the scene.

Two people were inside the vehicle. First responders found one occupant without a pulse and began chest compressions right there on the sidewalk. Despite their efforts, that individual was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The second occupant was transported in critical condition and remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.

Our iSkyNews.com Reporters spoke with a Mesa Police Lieutenant on scene.

“This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the families affected,” said a Mesa Police Lieutenant on scene.

Mesa Police shut down northbound Val Vista at Pueblo, restricting southbound traffic to a single lane. Detectives and crime scene investigators are actively working to determine what caused the crash. At this time, the cause remains unknown.

Gilbert Fire and Rescue also responded to assist with the scene, which remains closed and is expected to stay that way for several hours.

Everyone here at iSkyNews.com would like to thank the first responders—Mesa Police, Mesa Fire & Medical, Gilbert Fire—and the witnesses who stepped in to help. Our prayers go out to the family, friends, and anyone affected by this heartbreaking event.

Stay tuned to iSkyNews.com for the latest updates.