U of A Community Shaken by Tragic Crash That Claimed the Lives of Three Students

TUCSON, Arizona — The University of Arizona community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of three beloved students whose lives were tragically cut short in a devastating hit-and-run crash on Thursday night, October 30, 2025. The victims — Sophia Akimi Troetel, 21; Josiah Patrick Santos, 22; and Katya Castillo-Mendoza — were struck while walking in a marked crosswalk near campus.

According to Tucson Police, 19-year-old Louis John Artal, a fellow student, was allegedly impaired by alcohol and/or drugs when he sped through the intersection in a 2019 Porsche Boxster, striking the three students before fleeing the scene. Artal has since been charged with two counts of second-degree murder, aggravated assault with serious injury, and leaving the scene of a fatal crash.

Sophia Troetel and Josiah Santos were pronounced dead at the scene. Katya Castillo-Mendoza was critically injured and passed away Saturday after being removed from life support.

All three students were talented, kind, and deeply loved within the campus community.

• Troetel, a psychology and Spanish double major, was the general manager of KAMP Student Radio and a volunteer with the Pima County Attorney’s Victim Services Division.
• Santos, her boyfriend, studied Japanese language and theater arts, and was known for his talent, humor, and leadership in the performing arts.
• Castillo-Mendoza, described by her sister as “the light of our life,” was studying finance and real estate development and known for her compassion and determination.

The University of Arizona released a statement expressing profound sorrow:

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and all who are grieving these unimaginable losses. The university is providing direct support and resources to help our community heal.”

Friends, classmates, and professors remember Sophia, Josiah, and Katya as bright lights whose legacies will forever shine through the lives they touched. Vigils and memorials continue to grow near North Euclid Avenue and East Second Street, where the tragedy occurred.

Those wishing to support the families can donate to the GoFundMe for Josiah Santos’ family here:

👉 Support for Josiah’s Family – GoFundMe

🕊️ Forever in our hearts — Sophia, Josiah, and Katya. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.