PHOENIX – An apparent act of road rage has claimed the life of a dedicated employee of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. On April 10, 2015, Sonya Coronado, a legal secretary in the Civil Division, was seriously injured after her vehicle swerved off the road on I-17 near the Sunset Point rest area. Witnesses report Sonya lost control of her car while trying to avoid the aggressive maneuvers of an angry motorist. Sonya subsequently died as a result of her injuries.

“We are devastated by the tragic loss of this young woman whose bright spirit touched many hearts and who had so much to look forward to. Our hearts and prayers are with Sonya’s family during this difficult time,” said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “Our grief is deepened by the knowledge that her death may have been the result of a criminal act. My Office will do whatever we can to assist law enforcement in determining the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident and, if necessary, holding accountable whoever may be responsible for what happened in order to obtain justice for Sonya and her family,” he added.

The Department of Public Safety continues to investigate this incident and encourages anyone with information to call (602) 223-2212.

Sonya Teresa Coronado joined the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in 2000 and worked as a Legal Support Specialist in the Civil Division. On April 10, 2015, at approximately 1:15 p.m. she was involved in a collision at milepost 252 on northbound I-17, directly across the Sunset Point rest area. Witnesses reported seeing a silver standard single cab pickup truck driven by a male Caucasian pull alongside Sonya’s silver Toyota SUV and make an obscene hand gesture before driving into her lane in front of her vehicle, causing her take evasive action to avoid being hit. After being forced into the median, Sonya lost control of her vehicle which travelled across the northbound lanes and off the roadway to the east, overturning numerous times. Sonya was transported by helicopter to John C. Lincoln North Mountain and admitted in critical condition with severe brain trauma. She passed away on April 24, 2015. She was 36 years old.

Sonya was engaged to be married two weeks before the incident and was on her way to meet her fiancé for the weekend.

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