Utah runner killed by car in Nevada

LAS VEGAS — A Kamas man running in the widely popular Ragnar Relay Series event held in Las Vegas over the weekend was hit and killed by a suspected drunken driver, race organizers and police said.

The man was identified Monday as Jeremy Kunz, 33. He was hit Saturday about 4:35 a.m. as he stood on the side of the road near one of the race's relay points in Henderson, Nev., said event spokeswoman Dawn Macke.

Kunz was one of roughly 2,400 runners to participate in the Las Vegas race.

Henderson police spokesman Keith Paul identified the driver as Joshua Salayich, 25, of Henderson.

Salayich was driving east on Horizon Ridge Parkway when he lost control of his vehicle, Paul said. It went onto the shoulder of the road, striking Kunz.

Salayich, who sustained only minor injuries, fled from the car, Paul said, but was caught about a half mile from the accident scene. Salayich was booked into jail for investigation of DUI with death, leaving the scene of an accident, and resisting an officer.

Police believe speed and alcohol were factors in the crash, which remains under investigation.

Ragnar races involve teams of 12 runners who tackle a variety of terrain in relay style during a two-day period.

— Geoff Liesik