DPS NEWS

Fatal crash on U.S. 6 between Price and Green River

DPS Incident Notification 7643 (Crash – Fatal / Initial Information / Sent: 12-11-2019 18:02)

Section: 9 // District: A

Date: 12-11-2019

Time: 14:35

Location: US-6

Mile Post: 273

Travel Direction: South/East

Inv. Agency: UHP

Initial Description:On Wednesday (11 December 2019) at approximately 1435 hours an eastbound 2019 White Chevrolet Colorado pickup occupied by a single occupant (male driver) crossed left of center on double yellow lines on SR-6 near milepost 273. The road in this area is two lanes (one Eastbound and one Westbound). Both sides of the highway are skirted by guardrail for a wash that crosses under the highway. At the time of the vehicle crossing the double yellow lines and traveling completely in the westbound lane, there was a westbound tractor/trailer (commercial motor vehicle). The driver of the commercial motor vehicle was unable to take any evasive action as the pickup truck collided head-on into the semi. The impact sheared off the front axle of the semi. The pickup truck was spun off the eastbound side of the highway and came to rest upright and facing northwest. The restrained driver of the pickup sustained fatal injuries and died on-scene. The semi driver’s injuries were treated on scene. Witnesses indicate the pickup truck was traveling erratically, making bad passes, and traveling at a high rate of speed. Troopers, UDOT personnel, Fire/rescue, and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene. The highway was closed for approximately two hours as crews tried to clear the scene. Eventually the eastbound lane was open and we are current:y alternating traffic through the scene.

The deceased driver’s name is Michael Rivera, age 38, of Palm springs, California.