Off-Duty Arizona DPS Trooper Kelly Sullivan Dies in Peoria Motorcycle Crash

 An off-duty Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper has died in a motorcycle crash near Loop 303 and Lake Pleasant Parkway in Peoria, authorities said. Peoria police on Monday identified the trooper as Kelly Sullivan, who was involved in a crash around 9 p.m. Sunday in the area of the Loop 303 and Lake Pleasant Parkway interchange.

Sullivan was not traveling to or from work at the time of the crash, according to officials. The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and police have not released details about other vehicles involved, speed, or roadway conditions at the time of the incident.

In a statement, Peoria police said the department delayed releasing Sullivan's name until next-of-kin notifications were completed and DPS "brothers and sisters" had been informed. "Out of respect for the family, this information was not released until next of kin notifications were completed," police said.

"In addition to immediate family, every effort was made to ensure all of Trooper Sullivan's brothers and sisters within the Department of Public Safety were notified prior to this public release," Peoria police said.

Sullivan was married to Twila Sullivan, a retired Phoenix Police officer, and previously served as a vice president of the Arizona Law Enforcement Emerald Society (ALEES). Days before his death, it was announced that Sullivan was to be declared a United Humanities Project hero award recipient on May 2nd.

Colleagues described Sullivan as dedicated to public service and active in law enforcement community organizations that support officers and their families. The Arizona DPS has not yet announced memorial arrangements, and the agency is offering peer support and resources to Sullivan's family and fellow troopers.

The crash occurred in a busy interchange area frequently traveled by commuters and motorcyclists heading toward Lake Pleasant. Investigators are reviewing evidence, witness statements, and any available traffic camera or dashcam video to determine what led to the fatal collision.

An investigation into the crash remains ongoing. Peoria police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to contact their traffic investigations unit as they work to complete a full reconstruction of the crash.