A tragic accident on Interstate 10 in Tucson has claimed the lives of a mother and her young son, sending waves of heartbreak through their community and leaving many mourning the loss of two bright, compassionate souls.
Authorities from the Arizona Department of Public Safety have confirmed that Stephanie Marie Codina, 42, and her 11-year-old son were the victims in the fatal collision that occurred Sunday night, June 1, 2025.
According to officials, the crash occurred around 8:30 p.m. in the westbound lanes of I-10 near the Speedway Boulevard exit. Stephanie and her son were sitting inside a vehicle that had stopped on the median shoulder after a minor collision occurred nearby.
The driver of the vehicle they were in had reportedly pulled over to offer help at the scene of the earlier crash and had exited the car when the devastating impact occurred.
Tragically, a commercial vehicle veered into the emergency lane and collided directly with the parked car where Stephanie and her son were seated. The violent force of the rear-end collision proved fatal. Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene, but both Stephanie and her son were pronounced dead due to the severity of their injuries.
The relationship between Stephanie, her son, and the driver who had exited the vehicle remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet publicly confirmed that connection. However, the focus for now remains on the lives lost and the immense sorrow left in the wake of this unexpected tragedy.
Stephanie Marie Codina was known to many as a kind, thoughtful, and selfless woman. Friends and family describe her as someone who lived with compassion and integrity, always looking out for others. Her instinct to help, which may have contributed to the circumstances leading to the crash, was a defining part of her character.
Her son, just 11 years old, was described as bright, energetic, and full of promise. He was known for his curiosity, his love for school and sports, and the close bond he shared with his mother.
The two were inseparable, and their deep connection was apparent to all who knew them. The loss of such a young life, full of potential and hope, is a tragedy that words can scarcely capture.
The community has begun to rally around the family during this time of mourning, offering support, condolences, and prayers. Vigils and tributes are already being planned to honor Stephanie and her son, whose lives were cut far too short. Grief counselors are also being made available to local schools, as the news has deeply affected classmates and educators.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including what caused the commercial vehicle to enter the emergency lane. No additional injuries were reported, and no arrests or citations have been made public as of Tuesday afternoon.
The Department of Public Safety has asked anyone who may have witnessed the crash to come forward with information. In a moment meant to be one of aid and compassion, tragedy instead struck in a way that has left a community shaken.
