Driver who was hit by fleeing truck dies

The driver who was hit by a truck that was fleeing from the Utah Highway Patrol on April 13 has died at University Hospital.

Douglas Butcher, 36, who had been driving south on Main Street, died Friday about 5 p.m., said his brother, Steve Butcher.

Doctors told Douglas Butcher's family the trauma to his body was too severe and that there was nothing they could do to save him.

The family unplugged Butcher's life-support system Thursday evening to let him die, Steve Butcher said.

Friends have set up a fund at Zions Bank in Douglas Butcher's name to help with medical expenses.

Also on Friday, the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office charged Donald Lee Snyder, the man who was driving the truck that hit Douglas Butcher, with manslaughter, failing to stop at command of police, theft by receiving stolen property and possession of a dangerous weapon, all second-degree felonies. The manslaughter charge was for the death of Knut Odland, a pedestrian who was struck by Snyder's vehicle after it collided with Butcher's car. With Butcher's death, other charges are possible.

A Utah Highway Patrol trooper noticed Snyder driving erratically about 7:30 p.m. near 1750 S. State.

The trooper began following Snyder, who sped from the area and ran a red light at 1700 S. Main, just as Douglas Butcher was driving through the intersection, the UHP said.

The impact sent the two cars careening off the road, and Snyder's truck, which charges say had been stolen, slammed into and killed 49-year-old Odland, who was on the sidewalk.

The UHP reported that Snyder's stolen vehicle contained a sawed-off shotgun and "lots of ammunition."

If convicted of the current charges, Snyder could face up to 15 years in prison.

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E-mail: jdougherty@desnews.com