Tragedy Near Pima Air & Space Museum: 56-Year-Old Cheryl Cathey Loses Life in UTV Crash

Tucson, AZ – What was meant to be a night of adventure and joy turned into unimaginable tragedy when 56-year-old Cheryl Jeanene Cathey lost her life in a devastating UTV accident near the Pima Air & Space Museum.
According to the Tucson Police Department, the fatal wreck occurred around Thursday night, October 9, in the 6000 block of East Alexander Anton Lane. Two off-road vehicles — a red 2018 Polaris RZR and a blue 2018 Polaris RZR — were traveling on parallel dirt roads when tragedy struck.

Authorities said that as the two UTVs approached a point where the roads merged, they collided. The impact was violent enough to cause both vehicles to roll over. Despite the quick response of emergency personnel, Cheryl Cathey, who was a passenger in the red Polaris, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the red vehicle was rushed to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the driver of the blue Polaris was treated at the scene for minor wounds.

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, but police have confirmed that impairment is not believed to be a factor.

A Night of Fun Turns Into Heartbreak and Loss

For Cheryl and her companions, the evening likely began as a simple ride under the Arizona stars — a moment of freedom and friendship in the desert. But in a heartbreaking twist of fate, the merging of two dirt paths became the scene of disaster.

Witnesses described a cloud of dust, the echo of the crash, and the desperate rush to help the injured. In seconds, the joy of the ride turned to chaos and despair. The quiet desert air filled with flashing lights and urgent voices as first responders fought to save lives.

Those who knew Cheryl describe her as a kind, adventurous soul — someone who loved life, laughter, and the beauty of the outdoors. Her sudden passing leaves a void that words cannot fill. Family, friends, and the entire Tucson community now mourn a woman whose life ended far too soon.

Remembering Cheryl Cathey — A Call for Caution and Care

As the Tucson Police Department continues its investigation, the community is left grappling with sorrow and reflection. Off-roading is a beloved pastime in Arizona, but this tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly joy can turn to heartbreak. Even in the absence of alcohol or reckless behavior, speed, terrain, and timing can combine in ways that lead to irreversible loss.

Today, those who loved Cheryl Jeanene Cathey are left holding her memory close — remembering her laughter, her warmth, and her adventurous heart. Her story is a reminder to cherish every ride, every sunset, and every loved one.

Let Cheryl’s legacy be a call for safety, mindfulness, and compassion — because behind every headline is a family grieving, a community in pain, and a life that mattered deeply.