A Phoenix man has been sentenced to eight years in prison after admitting responsibility for a deadly drunk-driving crash that claimed one life and injured another on Interstate 10 in Phoenix. The case, which stemmed from a 2024 collision, concluded with a prison sentence for manslaughter, underscoring Arizona’s continued efforts to prosecute impaired drivers whose actions result in fatal crashes.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced that Ukel Mario Celbirio was sentenced to eight years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for causing the fatal collision while driving under the influence of alcohol. The sentence was handed down on June 25, 2026, following criminal proceedings related to the crash that occurred more than two years earlier.
Deadly Interstate 10 Collision
Crash Happened in April 2024
According to investigators, the fatal collision occurred on Sunday, April 14, 2024, along Interstate 10 near milepost 136 in Phoenix. Arizona DPS troopers responded to the crash and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Authorities determined that Celbirio was operating his vehicle while impaired by alcohol when the crash occurred. Investigators concluded that his impairment directly contributed to the deadly collision, leading prosecutors to pursue felony manslaughter charges.
One Person Killed and Another Injured
The crash claimed the life of Garrido Lago, who suffered critical injuries in the collision. Emergency responders transported the victim to a Phoenix-area hospital, but despite medical efforts, Garrido Lago was pronounced dead.
A second individual involved in the collision also sustained injuries. Officials said those injuries were non-life-threatening, and the survivor received medical treatment following the crash.
Investigation Revealed Driver Was Impaired
Arizona DPS Conducted the Investigation
Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers investigated the fatal crash, gathering evidence from the scene and determining that alcohol impairment played a significant role in the collision.
Based on the investigation, prosecutors charged Ukel Mario Celbirio with manslaughter in connection with the death of Garrido Lago. The criminal case proceeded through the Arizona court system before ultimately ending in a conviction and prison sentence.
Court Sentences Driver to Eight Years
Prison Sentence Handed Down in 2026
On June 25, 2026, Celbirio was sentenced to eight years in the Arizona Department of Corrections after being convicted in connection with the fatal DUI crash.
The sentence reflects the seriousness with which Arizona courts treat fatal impaired-driving offenses, particularly when prosecutors establish that intoxication directly caused another person’s death. The conviction closes the criminal portion of a case that began with the fatal Interstate 10 collision in April 2024.
Arizona Officials Stress the Dangers of Drunk Driving
Preventable Tragedies Continue Across the State
Following the sentencing announcement, the Arizona Department of Public Safety reiterated that impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of preventable fatal crashes.
Officials continue to encourage motorists to make responsible decisions by planning for a sober ride, using designated drivers or rideshare services, and never getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs. Law enforcement agencies throughout Arizona regularly conduct DUI enforcement operations aimed at reducing alcohol-related crashes and saving lives.
Timeline of the Case
Key Events
- April 14, 2024: Fatal DUI crash occurs on Interstate 10 near milepost 136 in Phoenix.
- Following Investigation: Arizona DPS determines the driver was impaired and files criminal charges.
- Victim: Garrido Lago dies from injuries sustained in the collision, while another victim survives with non-life-threatening injuries.
- June 25, 2026: Ukel Mario Celbirio is sentenced to eight years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for manslaughter.
- July 2026: Arizona DPS publicly announces the sentencing and highlights the importance of preventing impaired driving.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Ukel Mario Celbirio brings legal closure to a tragic crash that took the life of Garrido Lago on Interstate 10 in Phoenix. While the eight-year prison sentence concludes the criminal case, it cannot undo the devastating consequences of impaired driving. Arizona officials continue to use cases like this as reminders that driving under the influence can have irreversible consequences, forever changing the lives of victims, their families, and everyone involved.
