Valley Woman Sues After Tempe Police Officer’s Crash Claims Unborn Daughter’s Life

On May 24, 2024, Jade Shone, who was 22 weeks pregnant, was involved in a tragic accident with a Tempe police patrol vehicle, resulting in the loss of her unborn child. The impact of that day is deeply etched in her memory.

Shone has initiated legal action against the City of Tempe and Officer Zachary Hyde, citing wrongful death and negligence. According to court documents, the incident occurred at the intersection of Dobson Road and Broadway in Mesa. Shone had a green light when she entered the intersection, but Hyde, responding to an emergency, allegedly ran a red light before colliding with her vehicle.

Shone described the immediate aftermath, recalling intense abdominal pain following the crash. “After the impact and feeling the pain in my abdomen, I took the seat belt off and kind of just held my stomach for a second,” she shared. Emergency responders transported her to the hospital, where doctors expressed concern about possible placenta detachment and internal bleeding.

In a gut-wrenching moment, she learned that her child’s heartbeat had ceased. “It kind of felt that something wasn’t right,” Shone reflected. The hospital staff offered her the option to spend time with her daughter after birth, and she held her for as long as she needed. “I stayed with her pretty much all day,” Shone stated.

Initially unaware that a police officer was involved, Shone expressed her shock upon learning the details. “I never thought something like that could ever happen,” she noted. “We count on the police to protect us and not to harm us,” her attorney, Alicia Funkhouser, added, emphasizing the need for accountability.

Hyde was previously honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving in June, but was arrested for DUI the following month while off-duty. An incident report revealed that he exhibited erratic behavior, such as driving slowly with his hazard lights on. Police noted a strong odor of alcohol, and Hyde later registered a Blood Alcohol Content of .205, significantly above the legal limit.

Funkhouser criticized Hyde’s actions, stating, “It shows an officer who doesn’t have regard for the rules.” The Tempe Police Department confirmed that Hyde is no longer with the department but declined to comment further due to the ongoing lawsuit.