The Pima County Sheriff's Department says that Ann Day, former Pima County Board of Supervisor, died in a collision at Ina Road and Westward Look on Saturday morning.
Deputies responded to the call at 7:42 a.m. and when they arrived Day was being tended to by civilians on scene. A battalion chief from Northwest Fire transported her to the hospital where she was pronounced dead at 8:37 a.m.
PCSD says a black sedan was going westbound on Ina at a high rate of speed and was driving erratically. The sedan was bouncing off of curbs and crossed the center median and struck Day's Prius head on. A pickup truck trailing Day's car was unable to stop and rear ender Day's vehicle.
Day is the sister of former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
Ann Day served @pimaarizona for 12 yrs. She's also the sister of former #SCOTUS justice Sandra Day 'O Connor. @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/sdpR9piHVb
— Megan Thompson (@MeganKGUN9) May 7, 2016
Pima County District 4 Supervisor Ray Carroll spoke to KGUN9, saying he worked with Day for about 20 years.
"We had a fabulous relationship, actually. She was a person of great humor and great likeability," Carroll said. "She had great negotiation skills, which I appreciated, but honestly - I've never worked with a finer individual."
Carroll said that Day was very passionate about her position as a supervisor.
"It's really where the rubber meets the road. She was approachable, she worked great across the aisle and she was very good at listening to her constituents and following their lead," Carroll explained.
Carroll described how Day followed the footsteps of her grandfather, H.C. Day. He was a chairman on the Board of Supervisors in Graham County in the 1880s, according to Carroll.
Now, Carroll hopes that Day will be remembered for the things she accomplished while serving Pima County. One example from Carroll was the formation of Brandi Fenton Park, which was the first public-private park partnership in the area.
He also cites her conservation efforts.
"If it weren't for Ann Day, the southern Arizona constituents would really never have these long-term holdings of ranches," Carroll said. "She taught us about sustainability and about ranching and especially about grazing and the type of things that would add and benefit southern Arizona."
Carroll said she was more than supervisor or a senator - he calls her a friend to the community.
"I gotta really say - we're going to miss Ann Day," Carroll said.
Pima County released a statement saying county staff and elected officials were saddened at Day's death this morning.
"I am terribly saddened at the news of Ann Day's tragic passing this morning. She dedicated her life to public service, including honorably serving the people of Pima County for 12 years. She was my friend and colleague and I will deeply miss her cowgirl common sense approach to life and public policy," said Sharon Bronson, Board of Supervisors Chair.
County staff and elected officials are saddened at the news of former District 1 Supervisor Ann Day's death today. She will be missed.
— Official Pima County (@pimaarizona) May 7, 2016
U.S. Senator John McCain also released a statement saying how deeply he sad he was after learning the news of Day's death. The statement reads, in part:
“With Ann's tragic death, our state has lost a tireless advocate who dedicated her life to public service – as a teacher, State Senator and Pima County Supervisor. A self-proclaimed lifelong "cowgirl from Lazy B" ranch, Ann will always be remembered for her passionate and pragmatic approach that benefited so many citizens across our state. Cindy and my prayers are with Ann's family and loved ones, as well as the entire Arizona community, during this difficult time," said U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) in a press release.
Deeply saddened by passing of Ann Day - #Arizona has lost a tireless advocate whose service will always be remebered https://t.co/dht5Ep9Y3p
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) May 7, 2016
Stay with KGUN 9 On Your Side for the latest updates on this tragic developing story.
