On November 15, 2024, the Arizona political landscape was shaken by the sudden and tragic death of John McLean, a 68-year-old Democratic candidate for the Arizona State Senate. McLean’s life was cut short in a devastating John McLean Accident car crash in Tucson, Arizona, just a day after he had graciously conceded a closely contested race for the District 17 seat to his Republican opponent, Vince Leach.
The John McLean Accident
The fatal collision occurred around 6 a.m. on Broadway Boulevard near Houghton Road, on Tucson’s east side. McLean was driving his 2019 Toyota RAV4 eastbound on Broadway when a 2018 Ford Explorer, driven by 27-year-old Michael Martin Creel, failed to stop at a posted stop sign on Ridgeside Drive. Creel’s vehicle struck the passenger side of McLean’s car at a high rate of speed, resulting in McLean’s immediate death at the scene.
Investigation and Legal Consequences
The Tucson Police Department quickly launched an investigation into the crash. Detectives identified two significant contributing factors to the collision: speed and impairment. At the scene, officers determined that Creel was impaired at the time of the accident.
As a result of the investigation, Michael Martin Creel was arrested and now faces serious charges:
- Manslaughter
- Aggravated Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Creel was booked into the Pima County Jail, where he remains in custody. It’s worth noting that this wasn’t Creel’s first brush with the law regarding DUI offenses. He has a history of such incidents, including a dismissed case in 2023 and a conviction in 2022.
John McLean: A Life of Service and Ambition
John McLean was more than just a political candidate; he was a third-generation Arizonan with deep roots in the community and a strong commitment to public service.
Education and Career
McLean’s journey began at the University of Arizona, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1975. He then pursued higher education, obtaining a Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology in 1980. His academic background set the stage for a successful career in aerospace engineering.
Business Leadership
After his studies, McLean returned to Tucson with his wife to raise their family. He became a prominent business leader, specializing in national security technology. McLean founded Areté Associates, a company focused on developing cutting-edge technologies for national security.
Under McLean’s leadership, Areté Associates grew from a small operation with just two staff members to a thriving enterprise:
- Generated over $30 million in annual revenue
- Employed more than 75 professionals
- Brought nearly $1 billion of economic activity to Southern Arizona
The company’s success extended beyond mere profits, as it provided expertise and applications for the U.S. military, the Department of Energy, and commercial energy exploration companies.
Political Aspirations
McLean’s decision to enter politics was inspired by the overturning of Roe v. Wade. As a Democratic candidate for the Arizona State Senate, he campaigned on several key issues:
- Fighting for quality education for all
- Protecting reproductive rights
- Securing Arizona’s water supply
His campaign was marked by a focus on listening and learning, with his kindness and generosity consistently shining through
The Election and Its Aftermath
The race for the District 17 seat in the Arizona Senate was highly contested and closely watched. As of November 18, 2024, the final vote tally stood as follows:
- Vince Leach (Republican): 77,714 votes (51%)
- John McLean (Democrat): 74,669 votes (49%)
The margin of victory was a mere 3,045 votes
On November 14, just a day before the tragic accident, McLean conceded the race in a gracious Facebook post. He expressed his gratitude for the campaign experience, stating, “It has been an honor and a privilege to run as the Democratic candidate for the LD17 Senate seat. While the outcome isn’t what we hoped for, I am proud of the work that so many people put into our campaign.”
Impact on the Community
The news of McLean’s sudden death sent shockwaves through the Arizona political community and beyond. Reactions poured in from across the political spectrum, highlighting the respect McLean had earned during his campaign and throughout his life.
Political Reactions
- Governor Katie Hobbs described McLean as a “true public servant” who cared deeply for his community, calling his death a “tragic loss.”
- The Arizona Senate Democrats expressed their condolences on social media, praising McLean’s impact and dedication to the state.
- Vince Leach, McLean’s Republican opponent, said, “John was a good man who conducted himself honorably as a candidate. My deepest condolences go out to John’s family and friends in this most difficult time. As a third-generation Arizonan, the lives John positively touched during his life are incalculable, and we should all be so fortunate to do the same.”
- The Pima County Democratic Party remembered McLean as a long-time servant to Tucson and a leader in Pima County.
- Kevin Volk, McLean’s Democratic colleague who won a seat in the Arizona House representing District 17, said, “I am gutted by the tragedy of the death of John McLean today. I find it impossible to comprehend that my partner in the unique journey of running for office in Legislative District 17 is no longer with us.”
- The Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee praised McLean’s qualities as a leader and person, noting, “Throughout his campaign, John exemplified all the qualities of a great leader and person. He focused on listening and learning, with his kindness and generosity always shining through.”
Community Impact
Beyond his political aspirations, McLean was known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the local dog rescue community. His commitment to serving others extended far beyond the political arena, touching many lives in Southern Arizona.
The tragedy of McLean’s death was compounded by the fact that it occurred just as he was planning to continue his community involvement, despite the election outcome. In his concession post, McLean had stated, “Despite my loss in the political arena, I will continue to work with my neighbors across LD17 to ensure a brighter future for all Arizonans.”
Broader Implications
McLean’s death marks the 82nd traffic-related fatality in Tucson in 2024, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety in the city. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the importance of traffic safety measures.
The circumstances of McLean’s death also underscore the need for continued efforts to combat impaired driving. Law enforcement agencies across the country are increasingly focusing on strategies to reduce such incidents, including:
- High Visibility Education and Enforcement (HVEE) initiatives
- Collaborations between multiple agencies and organizations
- Proactive public education campaigns
- Targeted enforcement involving multiple law enforcement agencies
Legacy and Remembrance
John McLean’s untimely death has left a void in the Arizona political landscape and the broader community. His life was characterized by service, innovation, and a commitment to improving his state and community.
As a businessman, McLean contributed significantly to the economic growth of Southern Arizona. His company, Areté Associates, not only provided jobs and revenue but also played a crucial role in developing technologies for national security.
In his brief but impactful foray into politics, McLean demonstrated the qualities of a true public servant. His campaign was marked by a willingness to listen, learn, and engage with voters on the issues that mattered most to them. Even in conceding the race, he showed grace and a continued commitment to working for the betterment of his community.
McLean’s philanthropic efforts, particularly in animal rescue, revealed a compassionate side that extended beyond his professional and political pursuits. This multifaceted approach to community involvement made him a respected figure across various sectors of society.
Conclusion
The tragic death of John McLean serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the ongoing challenges posed by impaired driving. It also highlights the impact that one individual can have on their community through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to service.
As the Arizona political community and the residents of District 17 mourn the loss of a promising leader, they also celebrate the life and contributions of John McLean. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire others to engage in public service, pursue innovation, and work tirelessly for the betterment of their communities.
The circumstances of McLean’s death also renew the call for increased efforts to combat impaired driving and improve road safety. It is a tragic irony that a man who dedicated his life to serving others and was poised to continue that service even after an electoral defeat should have his life cut short by such a preventable incident.
As the legal process unfolds for Michael Martin Creel, and as McLean’s family, friends, and supporters come to terms with their loss, the broader community is left to reflect on the impact of this tragedy. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of responsible behavior on the roads and the far-reaching consequences of impaired driving.
John McLean’s life, though cut short, was one of significant achievement and positive impact. From his contributions to national security through his business ventures to his commitment to public service and community involvement, McLean left an indelible mark on Arizona. His tragic passing is not just a loss for his family and friends, but for the entire state, robbing it of a dedicated public servant and a true Arizonan committed to creating a better future for all.
