Flagstaff, AZ – The electric skateboard rider involved in a collision with a Flagstaff Police Officer’s patrol vehicle on June 3, 2025, near the intersection of South Milton Road and Route 66 has passed away from his injuries. Derek Blakely, 22, of Flagstaff, was initially reported to be in critical condition following the incident, and despite efforts to stabilize him, he succumbed to his injuries yesterday, June 6, 2025.
Blakely was riding a self-balancing, single-wheel electric skateboard when the tragic collision occurred at approximately 11:53 p.m. The Flagstaff Police Officer involved in the incident remained at the scene and called for EMS. He was immediately transported to Flagstaff Medical Center, where he later passed away.
In keeping with his wishes as a registered organ donor, Blakely’s organs were donated to individuals in need. A private honor walk was held in his memory yesterday, where family, friends, and loved ones gathered to pay tribute to him.
The Flagstaff Police Department’s Collision Reconstruction Team is continuing its investigation into the incident. Authorities are requesting that anyone with information regarding the event contact the Flagstaff Police Department at (928) 774-1414 or submit anonymous tips through Coconino Silent Witness at (928) 774-6111.
Flagscanner will continue to provide updates as new details emerge.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM FLAGSTAFF POLICE THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT:
FLAGSTAFF, AZ — On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at approximately 11:53 p.m., a collision occurred in the 600 block of South Milton Road involving a Flagstaff Police Department patrol vehicle and a male individual operating a self-balancing, single-wheel electric skateboard.
The incident involved an on-duty Flagstaff Police Officer who was operating a marked patrol vehicle in a patrol capacity, traveling northbound on South Milton Road and approaching the intersection of West Route 66. The electric skateboard rider entered the roadway, resulting in a collision.
The rider sustained serious injuries in the crash. The officer immediately rendered aid at the scene, and the injured individual was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center by emergency medical personnel. He is currently listed in critical condition.
The Flagstaff Police Department’s Collision Reconstruction Team is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Department remains committed to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant information is encouraged to contact the Flagstaff Police Department at (928) 774-1414 or to submit anonymous tips through Coconino Silent Witness at (928) 774-6111.
FS ORIGINAL POST : Late Tuesday night, emergency crews responded to a serious pedestrian-involved collision near the Chevron station at Route 66 and Milton Road in Flagstaff.
At approximately 11:50 p.m., a pedestrian was struck in the intersection and sustained serious injuries. The individual was transported to the trauma unit at Flagstaff Medical Center in unknown condition.
Eyewitnesses who contacted Flagscanner claim that the vehicle involved was a marked Flagstaff Police Department patrol unit. While Flagstaff Police have not yet confirmed this detail, a department spokesperson told Flagscanner that a formal news release would be provided later today.
Radio traffic from the time of the incident indicates that at 11:53 p.m., a Flagstaff Police officer requested emergency medical services respond code 3 (with lights and sirens) to the Chevron station. They also requested a supervisor respond to the scene. Moments later, dispatch asked for clarification on the medical response, and a responding supervisor confirmed that a pedestrian had been struck in the middle of the intersection.
Several additional police units responded to assist, and the department’s Duty Commander was made aware of the incident. According to personnel on scene, the pedestrian was unresponsive but had a pulse just prior to EMS arriving.
An accident investigation team remained at the intersection for several hours overnight and cleared the area around 5 am this morning.
Flagscanner will provide further updates once the official statement from the Flagstaff Police Department is released.
