GOLDEN VALLEY, Arizona — A devastating two-vehicle collision on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 6:12 a.m., claimed the life of 61-year-old Marian Merk in the area of W. Shinarump Dr. and S. Apache Rd. The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on May 3 that two men have been arrested following the incident, which has now been classified as a homicide due to the reckless actions of the driver.
Marian Merk was pinned in her Hyundai SUV after a Chevrolet pickup truck, traveling eastbound at a high speed, crossed the centerline and struck her vehicle head-on. Despite efforts by the Golden Valley Fire Department and River Medical Ambulance, Merk succumbed to her injuries at the scene. The two occupants of the pickup truck fled on foot into the desert north of the collision site, prompting an extensive search by the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers, and a DPS helicopter. The passenger, 30-year-old Brandon James Tosh of Kingman, was found hiding under a bush and arrested on active warrants for disorderly conduct and assault. Further investigation revealed Tosh provided false information to law enforcement, leading to an additional charge of hindering prosecution, a class 5 felony.
The driver, 29-year-old Maximiliano Chavez Jr., also of Kingman, was apprehended on Saturday, May 3, at 7:56 a.m. in the 3800 block of W. Bolsa Dr. after approaching a resident for water and admitting his involvement in the crash. During an interview with detectives, Chavez confessed to driving the pickup truck, speeding over 70 miles per hour, and consuming alcohol in Laughlin all night prior to the collision. He admitted to fleeing after seeing Merk’s condition, showing a callous disregard for her life. Chavez, who sustained minor injuries, was charged with second-degree murder, a class 1 felony, after receiving medical clearance. Both men are now in custody at the Mohave County Adult Detention Facility.
The incident has raised concerns about road safety on Shinarump Dr., a rural road with a history of dangerous driving—posts on X have noted similar speeding issues in Golden Valley. The MCSO’s initial lack of detail about the suspects’ descriptions beyond clothing and ethnicity may have limited early public assistance, potentially prolonging the search. If you have further information, contact the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office at 928-753-0753, option 1.
The Golden Valley community grieves this preventable tragedy. Let’s honor Marian Merk by advocating for safer roads and accountability.
Published by State Gleam
Keywords: Marian Merk, Golden Valley Homicide, Fatal Collision, Maximiliano Chavez Jr, Brandon James Tosh, May 2025
