Tempe to Pay $2.1 Million in Settlement After Crash Leading to Stillbirth
TEMPE, AZ — The City of Tempe will pay $2.1 million to settle a lawsuit connected to a 2024 car crash that resulted in a stillbirth. The Tempe City Council approved the settlement on July 1.
According to the lawsuit, Jade Shone alleged that former Tempe Police Officer Zachary Hyde ran a red light while responding to an emergency, colliding with her vehicle. The crash led to the stillbirth of her unborn child, named Isla, at 22 weeks gestation, as the placenta tore during the impact.
Shone reported injuries to her neck, back, and abdomen, and both she and another motorist were transported to Banner Desert Medical Center following the incident. A Mesa police report confirmed airbag deployments in Shone's 2020 Kia Forte and stated that both drivers were adhering to their respective speed limits.
Authorities later reported that Hyde was arrested on suspicion of DUI two months after the crash. According to a report from the Department of Public Safety, he exhibited slurred speech and had a blood alcohol content of 0.205% after being stopped in a damaged Mercedes-Benz showing signs of swerving.
The lawsuit argued that the Tempe Police Department failed to provide adequate training and oversight for its officers.
Corina Vanek covers development for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at cvanek@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X @CorinaVanek.