In Loving Memory: Ashtyn Vandersloot, Antonio Olalde, and Grace Hobbs
TUCSON, Ariz. — The Tucson community is grappling with the heartbreaking loss of three young lives following a tragic crash at the intersection of East Valencia Road and South Country Club Road on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Ashtyn Vandersloot, 20, Antonio Olalde, 20, and Grace Hobbs, 18, lost their lives in the devastating collision, leaving family, friends, and the broader Tucson community in profound grief.
According to the Tucson Police Department, the crash occurred at approximately 7:16 p.m. in a collision involving a black BMW 750, driven by Ashtyn Vandersloot, and a silver Buick Envision operated by a 55-year-old woman, who sustained minor injuries. Passengers Antonio Olalde and Grace Hobbs were also in the BMW, and all three young people were tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger, a 19-year-old male, suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical care.
Investigators reported that witnesses and video evidence indicate the BMW was traveling at a high rate of speed eastbound on Valencia Road when it collided with the Buick as it attempted a left turn. Authorities also indicated that Ashtyn Vandersloot was reportedly racing another vehicle at the time of the crash. The Tucson Police Department’s Traffic Collision Investigation Unit continues to investigate the circumstances and is seeking assistance from the public to identify the other vehicle involved.
Friends, family, and community members remember Ashtyn, Antonio, and Grace as bright, vibrant, and full of life. Their energy, laughter, and presence left lasting impressions on those around them. Loved ones describe them as compassionate, fun-loving, and deeply caring individuals who valued friendship, family, and shared moments of joy.
“This is an unimaginable loss,” said a close friend of Ashtyn Vandersloot. “They were full of life, always bringing laughter and love wherever they went. Tucson has lost three incredibly special young people, and their absence leaves a hole in all of our hearts.” Similar sentiments have been echoed by friends and family of Antonio Olalde and Grace Hobbs, who remember them for their kindness, their ambitions, and the positive energy they brought to everyone around them.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Tucson community is coming together to support the families of the three young victims. Vigils, memorials, and moments of remembrance are being organized to honor their lives, celebrate their memories, and provide comfort to those left behind. These gatherings serve as a space for collective grieving and reflection on the impact these young individuals had on the people around them.
While their lives were tragically cut short, the legacy of Ashtyn, Antonio, and Grace will live on in the hearts of those who loved them. Their laughter, kindness, and the moments they shared with friends and family are memories that will continue to be cherished forever. The loss of three young lives so full of potential is a profound reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of treasuring every moment with loved ones.
Rest in peace, Ashtyn Vandersloot, Antonio Olalde, and Grace Hobbs. Your spirits will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved you.








