January 22, 2024 – Nationwide Report®

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victims of a fatal head-on crash in Chandler on Thursday, shedding light on a potential medical event as the cause. The fatal crash claimed the lives of 33-year-old Taylor Stithem and 36-year-old Sara Papila.

The SUV they were in collided with a truck driven by 47-year-old Raymond Sampaga, who sustained serious injuries. The collision occurred around 10:15 p.m. near Hunt Highway and McQueen Road. Sampaga, traveling west on Hunt Highway, crossed the centerline, resulting in a tragic head-on collision.

Despite no indication of speed or alcohol as factors, MCSO suspects Sampaga may have experienced a medical event before the multi-vehicle accident. Stithem and Papila died at the scene, while Sampaga remains in critical condition at the hospital.

Source: AZ Family