DPS NEWS

Details on the Wrong-Way Fatal Crash on I-15 NB to I-215 EB from April 19th, 2021.

On April 19, 2021 at approximately 2045 hours, a gray Chevrolet Avalanche intentionally struck a parked marked Unified Police Department vehicle. The UPD vehicle was in the parking lot of the sub-station located in Cottonwood Heights. UPD engaged in a pursuit with the driver of Avalanche and quickly terminated the pursuit as the Avalanche’s driver began to travel the wrong-way onto I-215. The driver of the Avalanche went southbound on the northbound ramp from I-15 and in the ramp’s curve struck a Ford Taurus head-on. A Jeep Cherokee behind the Taurus struck the Chevrolet Avalanche head on. The driver of the Avalanche fled the scene eastbound, but was quickly apprehended by a UPD Deputy and brought back to the scene. Original reports was there were more than one person in the Avalanche, but it is now known that the driver and sole suspect was the only person in the vehicle at the time of the crash.  The driver of the Avalanche, a 35 year old male from Cottonwood Heights, was booked into SL County Jail in the afternoon of April 20th, where he is being held without bail while an investigation for DUI, Automobile Homicide, and many other charges continues. 

The driver of the Jeep was treated on scene. The passenger of the Jeep was transported to a local area hospital with minor injuries. The 31-year-old male passenger of the Taurus had serious but non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Ford Taurus, a 19-year-old female, was extricated before being transported by air ambulance in critical condition. On April 21, 2021 at approximately 0240 hours, Troopers learned that the 19-year-old driver of the Taurus, Gwendolyn Doner, of Casper WY, passed away due to injuries sustained in the original crash.

Ms. Doner’s Family requested that the below picture of her be given to members of the media and wanted the public to know that a vigil will be held in her honor at the Murray City Park on April 22nd, 2021 at 8 pm.