Man who was not at scene charged in nurse's death

CEDAR CITY — A man accused of abandoning his overturned pickup truck appeared in court to hear charges in the death of a nurse who stopped to check the vehicle and was struck by an SUV.

Florencio Bernal was at home when VerLee Hunt, 57, was killed before dawn Sunday. But Iron County prosecutors filed a negligent-homicide charge, claiming he's responsible.

Bernal also is accused of failing to report an accident and driving without insurance or a license.

State police said his pickup was overturned on State Road 56. Hunt, on her way to work at a hospital, stopped to check if anyone was inside.

A Chevy Suburban carrying five people then slammed into the truck and her vehicle, killing Hunt.

Police said they found Bernal asleep at home. He apparently got a ride after his truck overturned.

Bernal is being held without bail. His next court date is Feb. 5.