By Crash News Writer 
Catalina, AZ (November 4, 2026) – Two men died and two others sustained life-threatening injuries in a head-on collision involving a passenger car and a landscaping truck on State Route 77 near Catalina on Monday morning, October 26. The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) has identified the deceased men as Charles Springston III and Isaac Peraza.
The fatal accident occurred at approximately 6:15 a.m. along Oracle Road, also known as State Route 77, near Wilds Road. Emergency responders arrived following reports of a serious two-vehicle collision that left multiple people critically injured.
According to Arizona DPS, Springston, 38, of Oro Valley, was driving a Kia Stinger northbound on Oracle Road when he lost control of the vehicle. The car struck a traffic light before crossing the median and entering the path of an approaching landscaping truck.
The Kia Stinger then collided head-on with the truck, which was occupied by Peraza and two other individuals. The impact resulted in fatal injuries to Springston and Peraza, while the two surviving occupants of the landscaping truck suffered life-threatening injuries.
Authorities confirmed that both Springston and Peraza died from injuries sustained in the collision. Officials have not released Peraza’s age or hometown in the available report.
The two additional occupants of the landscaping truck sustained life-threatening injuries. Their names and medical conditions following the accident were not provided in the updated report.
Arizona DPS initially responded to the double-fatal collision on October 26. The identities of the deceased men were subsequently confirmed in an update published by 13 News on November 2.
AAA Landscape confirmed that the landscaping truck involved in the accident belonged to the company. The business acknowledged the loss and injuries affecting its employees in a public statement following the collision.
The company expressed its sorrow over the accident and emphasized the close relationships among its employees. The fatal collision affected not only the individuals involved but also their coworkers and families.
Investigators reported that the Kia Stinger struck a traffic light before crossing the median. However, authorities have not explained what initially caused Springston to lose control of the vehicle.
The available report did not indicate whether speed, impairment, a mechanical problem, or roadway conditions contributed to the accident. Arizona DPS also has not released additional information about the sequence of events preceding the loss of control.
Officials did not specify how long the roadway was affected by the emergency response or whether additional traffic restrictions were required. The investigation remains important in determining the circumstances surrounding the fatal head-on collision.
Protect Your Rights After a Fatal Head-On Truck Accident Today
Head-on collisions can cause devastating injuries because the vehicles involved may be moving toward one another immediately before impact. When a passenger car crosses a median and strikes a commercial vehicle, investigators may need to examine the driver’s actions, roadway conditions, and the circumstances that caused the vehicle to enter opposing traffic.
Under car accident laws in Arizona, individuals injured because of another party’s negligence may have grounds to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other legally recognized damages. When a collision results in death, qualifying surviving family members may also have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim.
If you are searching for a car accident near me or a car accident near Catalina, understanding Arizona’s negligence and roadway safety laws can help clarify the legal questions that may arise following a serious head-on collision. An official car accident report may contain information about vehicle movements, physical evidence, roadway conditions, and the investigating officers’ findings.
Drivers generally must maintain control of their vehicles and remain within the appropriate travel lanes. When a vehicle crosses a median and enters opposing traffic, investigators may examine what caused the driver to lose control and whether negligent conduct contributed.
However, a vehicle crossing a median does not automatically establish every element of civil liability. Investigators must evaluate the available evidence before determining whether driver actions, roadway conditions, or another factor caused the collision.
The involvement of a landscaping truck may also raise questions about the available insurance coverage and the circumstances surrounding the vehicle’s operation. Depending on the truck’s ownership and use, relevant evidence may include company records, vehicle maintenance information, and applicable commercial insurance policies.
When employees are injured while performing work-related duties, Arizona workers’ compensation benefits may also become relevant. Depending on the circumstances, eligible employees or surviving dependents may have access to certain benefits through the workers’ compensation system.
Workers’ compensation claims and third-party personal injury claims involve different legal requirements. Whether an injured worker or surviving family member may pursue additional compensation depends on the identity of the potentially responsible parties and the circumstances of the collision.
Arizona generally allows two years to file negligence-based personal injury lawsuits. Wrongful death claims are also generally subject to a two-year limitations period, although exceptions and special rules may affect the applicable deadlines.
People researching a car accident near me or a car accident near Catalina should also understand Arizona’s pure comparative negligence system. Under this rule, compensation may generally be reduced by a claimant’s percentage of fault, although certain statutory exceptions can affect recovery.
When a collision results in death, Arizona wrongful death law establishes which surviving family members may pursue a claim. Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include lost financial support, funeral expenses, and other legally recognized losses.
The two surviving occupants of the landscaping truck may also face significant medical needs following their reported life-threatening injuries. The available report does not specify their diagnoses, treatment plans, or long-term medical conditions.
Evidence from a head-on collision may include vehicle damage, tire marks, debris patterns, traffic signal damage, and witness statements. These materials can help investigators reconstruct the sequence of events and determine how the vehicles came into contact.
An official car accident report and the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s investigation may eventually clarify what caused the Kia Stinger to leave its travel lane. Because authorities have not released a final determination concerning the loss of control, the complete circumstances remain unclear.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article reflects information reported by 13 News and attributed to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, including an update published on November 2, 2026. Additional details may become available as authorities continue examining the fatal collision.
- Two men killed: Arizona DPS identified the deceased individuals as Charles Springston III and Isaac Peraza. Both men died from injuries sustained in the October 26 head-on collision.
- Crash location: The accident occurred along Oracle Road, also known as State Route 77, near Wilds Road in the Catalina area. Emergency responders were called to the collision at approximately 6:15 a.m.
- Kia crossed median: Investigators reported that Springston, 38, of Oro Valley, was driving a Kia Stinger northbound when he lost control. The vehicle struck a traffic light, crossed the median, and collided head-on with a landscaping truck.
- Two additional victims injured: Two other occupants of the landscaping truck sustained life-threatening injuries. Authorities did not release their identities or provide updated information about their medical conditions.
- Company vehicle involved: AAA Landscape confirmed that the truck involved in the collision belonged to the company. Readers seeking information about fatal and commercial vehicle collisions can review our frequently asked questions in Arizona.
- Cause remains unclear: DPS has not released findings explaining why the Kia Stinger initially lost control. Families seeking additional information following a serious collision can explore accident resources in Arizona for further assistance.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Information reflects publicly available reports at the time of publication and may change as authorities release additional findings. Readers should consult a qualified attorney regarding their individual circumstances. Please review our disclaimer for further details.
When a head-on collision kills two people and leaves others with life-threatening injuries, surviving family members and injured workers may face questions about medical expenses, insurance coverage, workers’ compensation benefits, and wrongful death claims. Arizona law establishes specific requirements for pursuing these claims, and the available options depend on the evidence and the circumstances of the accident. An Arizona personal injury lawyer can review the available information, explain the state’s negligence and wrongful death laws, and discuss whether injured individuals or surviving family members may have grounds to pursue compensation.