By Associated Press - Thursday, May 23, 2019

PHOENIX (AP) - Southbound traffic on a 10-mile (16-kilometer) stretch of Interstate 17 in Phoenix will face restrictions early Thursday afternoon due to a funeral procession for a Phoenix firefighter who officials say died of occupational cancer.

The Arizona Department of Transportation says closures are planned along southbound I-17 between Thunderbird and McDowell roads between roughly 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. for the procession for Brian Beck Jr.

ADOT advises drivers to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes.



Beck died Sunday. The 31-year-old is survived by his wife and three young children.

Gov. Doug Ducey ordered that flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset to honor Beck.

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