Phoenix Mourns Loss of Longtime Municipal Court Hearing Officer Susan Hawkins in Tragic Parking Garage Accident

PHOENIX — The City of Phoenix is grieving the sudden and heartbreaking death of Susan Hawkins, a dedicated Municipal Court Hearing Officer and longtime public servant, who was fatally struck by a truck in an employee parking garage on Wednesday afternoon.

The incident occurred shortly after 4:15 p.m. on February 11 in a downtown parking structure near 3rd Avenue and Adams Street, adjacent to the Phoenix Municipal Court building. According to Phoenix Police, 60-year-old Hawkins was walking—reportedly heading toward an elevator after exiting the structure—when she was hit by a turning pickup truck. First responders transported her to a hospital with serious injuries, where she was later pronounced dead.

The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Investigators from the Vehicular Crimes Unit are continuing to examine the circumstances, with preliminary details indicating the collision took place as the vehicle maneuvered on the second floor of the employee parking tower.

In a statement released to city employees and the public, City Manager Ed Zuercher expressed profound sorrow over the loss."We are heartbroken by the loss of the Honorable Susan Hawkins, a longtime City employee and Municipal Court Hearing Officer, following a tragic accident yesterday in an employee parking garage," Zuercher said. "Our hearts are with Susan’s loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable loss and counseling services are available for City employees."

Hawkins had served the city in various capacities since 1993, bringing decades of experience to her role in the Municipal Court. She presided over arraignments and hearings, particularly in civil traffic and non-traffic cases, as well as matters involving the Neighborhood Services Department related to code violations and community improvements. Colleagues and city leaders remembered her for her fairness, quiet strength, care, and commitment to enhancing residents' quality of life through her work.

Phoenix City Council members, including Ann O'Brien, echoed the city's grief, noting Hawkins' impactful yet often under-the-radar contributions to public service and neighborhood safety.

Hawkins is survived by her husband, Mark, and two adult children. The family and the broader city community continue to process the devastating event as investigations proceed and support resources are offered to affected employees.

This incident serves as a somber reminder of workplace safety concerns, with officials expected to review parking garage protocols in the wake of the tragedy.

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