Phoenix man killed in SR 347 head-on crash

A 34-year-old Phoenix man was killed in a head-on collision with a tow truck on State Route 347 early Thursday that stopped traffic for seven hours. The drivers of the vehicles, both from Maricopa, were also seriously injured.

According to the Department of Public Safety, the collision occurred at 12:52 a.m. just south of Riggs Road. State Troopers are still investigating the cause of the crash.

A white 2005 Chevrolet passenger car driven by Deanna Borboa, 26, of Maricopa, was southbound on SR 347 when, for unknown reasons, it crossed over the median and struck a northbound 2008 Dodge tow truck head-on.

The tow truck was driven by Jason Malone, 41, of Maricopa.

Justin Lamon Clark, 34, was a passenger in the Chevrolet. According to the report, he was not wearing a seat-belt and was ejected from the car. He died at the scene.

DPS also says Borboa was not wearing a seat-belt. She and Malone were both transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

DPS detectives are investigating whether impairment was a factor in the collision.

“A major factor in the death and serious injury of the occupants of the white Chevrolet is the fact that they were not wearing their seat-belts,” ADPS Sgt. Alan Haywood of the Vehicular Crimes Unit stated. “We cannot stress enough the importance of wearing your seat-belt properly. It most likely would have changed the conversation we are having about this collision.”