ST. GEORGE — Family, friends, coworkers and a community are mourning the loss of their civic leader just south of the Utah border in Fredonia, Arizona.
On March 16, Mayor Christy Riddle and son Trevor Burrows died in a fatal car crash while traveling on Navajo Route 20, according to Coconino County Sheriff’s Office public information officer Jon Paxton.
The investigation into the incident was handled by the Tuba City Police Department, Paxton said. Tuba City Police public information officers have not yet responded to St. George News for additional information.
“N-20 is known to most locals as the back road to Page,” Paxton said. “The incident occurred on that road.”
Fredonia Town Clerk Traci Goodall said although Riddle was serving her first term as mayor, “She had done so much for the community before she became mayor.”
Riddle was employed by the Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District for many years before turning to civic duties. According to a social media post by Fredonia Schools, Riddle and Burrows died in a head-on collision.
“Christy Riddle passed away after a head on collision,” the Facebook post said. “She was a friend to all, one to speak comfort and encouragement, and one to push us forward and challenge our actions and beliefs. She was never afraid to speak her truth. She will be missed. Christy was a huge advocate of service.”
Both Fredonia middle and high schools will be cleaning the streets in Fredonia, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Arizona time, as a token of remembrance for the mother and son on March 20-21. All community members from outlying communities in both Utah and Arizona are invited to attend.
In the family’s obituary, relatives recall Burrows as a son who learned a thing or two from his mother.
“His heart was as big as the sky,” the obituary states. “Trevor’s compassion knew no limitations; it was evident in everything he did, whether it was volunteering at local charities or extending a helping hand to a buddy who was in need.”
According to the Fredonia city website, a viewing will be held in the Grand Canyon State on Friday, March 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. (Arizona time) in the Fredonia Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints building at 80 South Main Street, Fredonia, Arizona.
A second viewing will be held in the Beehive State on Saturday, March 23 from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. (Utah time) at the Kanab Kaibab Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints Stake Center, 1500 South McAllister Drive, Kanab, Utah.
Funeral services for Christy Riddle and Trevor Burrows will start at noon following the second viewing at the same location.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to help cover expenses.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, geological events caused the closure of US 89 in 2013.
Construction of a new 115-mile US 89T was completed linking several existing roads while the original highway was repaired.
With the reopening of US 89 in 2015, responsibilities for US 89T were transferred to the Navajo Nation and the road was renamed Navajo Route 20.
This report is based on statements from court records, police or other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
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