TEMPE, AZ — A felony charge has been filed against a former ASU student linked to a deadly hit-and-run incident on September 13, 2025.
Authorities said Ava Bellowe, 19, was charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident involving death. The incident occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. near Lemon Street and Rural Road.
According to police, 18-year-old Joseph Gonzalez was riding a motorcycle when he struck the rear of a stopped Waymo self-driving car. Moments later, Bellowe, driving a Chevrolet Camaro, collided with Gonzalez and left the scene. Gonzalez later died from his injuries.
Bellowe surrendered to authorities following the crash. An investigation into the accident revealed that Bellowe had been at Tempe Tavern earlier that night.
The incident prompted a crackdown at Tempe Tavern, resulting in citations for hundreds of underage drinkers. State liquor officials are also investigating the bar’s operations, recommending the revocation of its liquor license due to public safety concerns.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is yet to determine if the charge will be pursued further.
For more updates, stay tuned to local news sources.