The Tucson Police Department is actively investigating a fatal vehicle collision that took the life of 31-year-old Celina Camou on Tuesday evening on Tucson’s South Side.
On July 17, 2018, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Tucson Police officers and members of the Tucson Fire Department were dispatched to a report of a single vehicle collision in the 2300 block of East Valencia Road. Upon arrival, Ms. Camou, who was unresponsive, and two small children were located in the vehicle. All three were transported to a local hospital. Shortly after arrival, Ms. Camou pronounced deceased.
Detectives were able to determine that Ms. Camou was driving a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina eastbound on Valencia Road with her 4-month old son and 2-year-old daughter in the backseat. After passing S. Plumer Avenue, Ms. Camou lost control of her vehicle and drove over the south curb. The vehicle then struck a fire hydrant and continued eastbound where it collided head-on with a light pole.
The 4-month-old child was in a car seat behind the driver. The car seat did not appear to be installed properly and the child did not appear to be properly buckled into the car seat. This lead to the child being ejected from the car seat and thrown into the front passenger seat during the collision. The child sustained critical injuries, but is currently listed in stable condition.
The 2-year-old child was in a car seat positioned behind the front passenger seat. She remained in the seat during the collision and was treated for minor injuries at the hospital.
Based on witness statements and roadway evidence, speed does not appear to be a factor in the collision. It is unknown at this time if impairment was a factor.
Detectives are continuing their investigation. Anyone with information about the collision is encouraged to call 88-CRIME.