DPS NEWS

San Juan County Double Fatal

On Monday, March 25, 2024, at approximately 8:26 pm, a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado was northbound on SR-163 near milepost 9 in San Juan County. The Silverado crossed the centerline and struck a southbound 2010 Ford Ranger, front driver’s side to front driver’s side. The Ranger spun off the roadway and rolled onto its passenger side.

Two occupants of the Ranger succumbed to injuries and died at the scene. The first was a 45-year-old female driver, and the second was a 53-year-old male passenger. The other two adult occupants of the ranger were transported to an area hospital in serious condition.  The 33-year-old male driver of the Silverado sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital but later returned to the scene.  Troopers conducted a DUI investigation and arrested the Silverado driver for impaired driving.  He was later booked into the San Juan County Jail.

The Navajo Reservation requested an outside agency to investigate this incident. The Utah Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the FBI, is conducting this investigation. 

SR-163 was closed in both directions for approximately one hour during the initial stages of the investigation. After that, crews opened the lanes with intermittent closures until the scene was clear.

This case is still under investigation and will be reviewed with the county attorney for any pending charges.