Arizona mourns the loss of John McLean, a prominent figure in both the business and political spheres of the state. Just a day after conceding a closely contested race for the Arizona State Senate, McLean tragically passed away on November 15th in a car accident in Tucson. His sudden death has sent ripples of grief across Arizona, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, public service, and community dedication. This article explores the life and contributions of John McLean, a man deeply rooted in Arizona, whose untimely departure is a significant loss for the state.
Tragic Accident Claims Life of John McLean
The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of November 15th at approximately 6 a.m. John McLean, 68, was driving his Toyota RAV4 on Broadway near Houghton in Tucson when a Ford Explorer, driven by 27-year-old Michael Martin Creel, ran a stop sign and collided with McLean’s vehicle. According to the Tucson Police Department report, the Explorer struck McLean’s car at a high speed. Sadly, John McLean was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
Michael Martin Creel, the driver of the Ford Explorer, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. He was subsequently arrested and booked into the Pima County Jail on suspicion of manslaughter and aggravated driving under the influence, adding a somber layer to this already tragic event.
A Legacy of Service: From Aerospace to Public Life
John McLean’s life was marked by a commitment to both innovation and public service. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, he embodied the spirit of the state. He pursued higher education at the University of Arizona, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1975, before achieving a Ph.D. from the prestigious California Institute of Technology in 1980. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a successful career in aerospace engineering.
Pioneering Aerospace Engineering in Arizona
Returning to Tucson, John McLean demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by establishing a Tucson office for Arete Associates. Starting with a small team of just two individuals, McLean’s leadership and vision propelled the business to remarkable growth. Under his guidance, Arete Associates flourished, expanding to over 75 professionals and generating over $30 million in annual revenue. The company became known for its development of cutting-edge technologies for national security, contributing significantly to the U.S. military, the Department of Energy, and commercial energy exploration companies. McLean’s work at Arete Associates showcased his expertise and experience in a highly specialized field, solidifying his reputation as a leader in Arizona’s technology sector.
Arizona State Senate Run and Community Engagement
In recent years, John McLean extended his dedication to public service by entering the political arena. As a Democrat, he ran for the District 17 seat in the Arizona State Senate, competing against Republican Vince Leach. District 17 encompasses a diverse area including Oro Valley, Marana, southern Pinal County, SaddleBrooke, and parts of the Catalina Foothills, reflecting the broad community McLean aimed to serve.
‘This was a Great Man Image alt text: A portrait of John McLean, Arizona State Senate candidate, smiling warmly and looking directly at the camera, representing his dedication to public service in Arizona.
While the election results showed Vince Leach with 51% of the vote (77,714 votes) to McLean’s 49% (74,669 votes), the close margin highlighted McLean’s strong campaign and the significant support he garnered. Even after conceding the race, McLean expressed gratitude and a continued commitment to his community in a Facebook post on November 14th. He stated his pride in the campaign’s efforts and his intention to “continue to work with my neighbors across LD17 to ensure a brighter future for all Arizonans,” demonstrating his unwavering dedication beyond electoral politics. He also congratulated his Democratic colleague Kevin Volk on winning a seat in the Arizona House, showcasing his collaborative spirit and focus on collective progress for Arizona.
Community Mourns the Loss of John McLean
The news of John McLean’s death has been met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from across Arizona. Kevin Volk, McLean’s running mate and now Arizona House representative for District 17, expressed profound sorrow, calling McLean “a great man” and highlighting his intelligence, work ethic, and compassion. Volk emphasized McLean’s potential as a state senator, stating, “With his intelligence, work ethic, compassion and proven track record of accomplishment, he would have been an excellent state senator.”
Vince Leach, who won the State Senate seat, also offered condolences, acknowledging McLean as “a good man who conducted himself honorably as a candidate.” This sentiment was echoed by outgoing GOP Senator Justine Wadsack, who recognized McLean’s deep roots in Tucson and his extensive community involvement, including his volunteer work with the Humane Society.
The Pima County Democratic Party released a statement expressing heartbreak at the tragic loss, acknowledging McLean’s long-standing leadership and service to Tucson and Pima County, even prior to his state senate campaign. These collective responses underscore the broad respect and high regard John McLean held within the Arizona community.
Conclusion
John McLean’s life was a testament to dedication – to his profession, his community, and his state. From his pioneering work in aerospace engineering to his commitment to public service and his recent foray into Arizona politics, McLean consistently strived to make a positive impact. His untimely death is a profound loss for Arizona, leaving a void in both its technological and political landscape. However, his legacy of innovation, service, and community engagement will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations in Arizona. John McLean’s contributions and the values he embodied will be remembered by all who knew him and by the wider Arizona community he served so diligently.
