Crashes in Cache, Dixie claim 2 lives

Traffic accidents at opposite ends of the state on Tuesday claimed the lives of two Utahns.

A crash on state Route 165 near Hyrum in Cache County took the life of Leon Carrizales Cuahutemoc, 20, of Logan, and has police seeking the driver of a van they believe caused the accident.

The Utah Highway Patrol said it happened about 4:40 p.m. Tuesday as Cuahutemoc was driving a 1998 Ford Contour south on the road. As he neared the 4600 South intersection, a van pulled out in front of his vehicle to go north but didn't get over into the northbound lane in time. Troopers said Cuahutemoc swerved his car to avoid hitting the van but was struck by a Chevrolet Suburban.

Cuahutemoc was pronounced dead at a Logan hospital, the UHP said. The driver of the Suburban was treated at the scene and released. The van left the scene. Troopers said anyone with information on the van, which was described as dark in color or possibly red, is urged to call police.

In Washington County, a 19-year-old boy is dead after a rollover crash near New Harmony.

The UHP said it happened about 6:20 p.m. Tuesday when a 1995 Ford Explorer carrying four people from the Brian Head Ski Resort to La Verkin drifted off I-15. Troopers said the driver tried to bring the vehicle back onto the road, but it went off the right side of the freeway into the dirt.

"The driver overcorrected to the left, which caused the vehicle to roll multiple times," UHP trooper Cameron Roden said Wednesday.

All of the people inside were wearing seat belts, troopers said. A passenger, Danial Cole Morawetz, 19, was pronounced dead at a Cedar City hospital a short time later. The three others were treated at the hospital and released.

E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com