Deseret News | Reader comments: BYU track athlete killed in accident

Reader comments
BYU track athlete killed in accident

so sad | 8:30 a.m. June 7, 2008

what happen to the orther driver?

Condolences to the family | 2:02 p.m. June 7, 2008

heartbreaking...

Kamilla | 2:33 p.m. June 7, 2008

I think this is extremely sad to lose someone who had so much potential and was so young. God works in mysterious ways and maybe she reached her full potential on earth and was needed in heaven to help others along the way...

Comments continue below

Melissa | 3:02 p.m. June 7, 2008

She was a wonderful young lady. She was my cousin a cheeraleader, gymnist, dancer, and a friend to anyone she met. She was love by so many. She tought me how to do my first trick on the trampoline a front flip. It is so hard to belive that she is gone, she was so young. My mom said "well i guess she was just to perfect to be on this earth." and yes i agree.

Anonymous | 7:09 p.m. June 7, 2008

Though I do not know the family, my prayers are with them.

alexis | 7:22 p.m. June 7, 2008

the other driver was fine and was released on the scene. Chelsi was THEE cutet girl ever. it is so weird to think that i saw her sunday. i pray for her family and her younger sister and brother. i have never ever seen her younger sister sad or mad or struggling until this weekend.

amanda | 7:59 p.m. June 7, 2008

My prayers are with you...may the Lord bless the family and friends to have faith and courage to move foward remembering the great leader chelsi petersen as she continues through eternity, helping others in the presence of God.

NorCalBlue | 11:42 p.m. June 7, 2008

Our prayers go out to the family and friends of this special young lady.

Having lost our only son in a car accident I know of the pain and grief. For me and my sweet wife only an understanding of the plan of salvation with the promise that we will see him again have made the days, months and years since filled with hope and expectation of the one day yet to come joyus reunion.

Jerry | 1:30 a.m. June 8, 2008

Thoughts and prayers to this young ladie's family and coaches. Coach Poole must be devistated by this. He loves his athletes as his own family. I ran track for him on his Mens State Championship teams. He coached both mens and womens teams. He always had a special place in his heart for the lady athletes. I believe it is because of all their respect and hard work they give him. Sorry to all, and to Dr. Craig Poole my sympathy.

Larry | 8:44 a.m. June 8, 2008

My prayers go out to her friends and family. I never have met Chelsi, but it sounds like the world lost one of it's best young people today. My prayers also go out to the Lark family as well. God bless!

BigPoet | 11:54 a.m. June 8, 2008

I believe they were returning from the Canyon, not going up into the canyon.

mandi | 11:45 p.m. June 8, 2008

chelsi was such an amazing girl, we cheered together and i also had the opportunity to cheer with her little sister, every memory i have of chelsi makes me smile, she always thought of others first and was such an amazing example to me, i love chelsi so much, she was like a big sister to me, if i ever have a daughter half as amazing as her i'll be the happiest mom, my heart goes out to the petersons, i agree with chelsi's cousin Melissa, she was too perfect for this world, i love you chelsi

Tort | 6:09 a.m. June 9, 2008

If you are turning left OFF 189 onto Squaw Peak Road, you can't possibly be LEAVING the canyon. You are ENTERING the canyon.

"Tort" means "wrong" in French | 9:01 a.m. June 9, 2008

The road leading up to Squaw Peak is on your right when you are driving into/entering the canyon--going from Provo to Midway. So the only way you would be turning left on 189 to go up Squaw Peak Road would be if you were exiting the canyon, just like the article said.

Re: Tort | 9:27 a.m. June 9, 2008

No, you're going up to Squaw Peak.

Tort is wrong | 9:30 a.m. June 9, 2008

All articles and UHP say the Subaru was traveling East (into the canyon) and Smith's car was traveling west on 189 (toward exiting the canyon)when it attempted a left turn (south) onto Squaw Peak Road, exposing the passenger side where Chelsi sat. She took the brunt of the impact.
Get it right Tort, directions aren't that hard in UT.

Erin | 1:39 p.m. June 9, 2008

I have known chelsi since i was about 4 or 5. i looked up to her in everything she did. i went to the same gym that she did as a young kid and she became my mentor to be a dixie high school cheerleader. chelsi was always kind to everyone. she always gave a positive look and comment on everything you did. she was an amazing girl. I think that God has a bigger plan for her. i love her family and my prayers are with them.

jeff | 2:01 p.m. June 9, 2008

Once in awhile we're reminded how human we are. Condolences to the Petersen family and friends. I'm sure she won't be forgotten. I believe she'd want everyone to rally around Smith as this will be a terrible burden for him.

really? | 7:34 p.m. June 9, 2008

does it matter who was going what direction? we have lost a beautiful friend and she will be missed. thats what matters.

Jenn | 10:48 p.m. June 9, 2008

I met Chelsi once last summer and from the moment I started talking to her I just thought she had the sweetest personality. She was so down to earth and so easy to talk to. She was such a confident person and from the hour that I spent talking to her, I knew she was an amazing person! My prayers are with her family and all the families involved.

dixie alum in arizona | 12:34 a.m. June 10, 2008

i met chelsi a long time ago when i lived in st.george here is a poem that all who knew her well can think of when they think of her Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

MJ | 1:17 p.m. June 10, 2008

this is heartbreaking. i met her in high school & can't believe with all her potential and the amazing person she was that she didn't get to go further.

LW | 10:02 a.m. June 11, 2008

I was greatful to know Chelsi Dawn. I did not know her well, but she greatly infulenced my life. Thank you Chelsi for always sharing a piece of your happy spirit with me. You will do great things. Thank you.
May God be with you until we meet again.

jb | 11:24 p.m. June 11, 2008

Any pictures of Paul Smith? What a tragedy for all involved.

Still | 4:34 p.m. June 12, 2008

I still question why she was headed up to Squaw Peak that late anyways. Nothing good happens there at that time of night.

Ben | 9:28 p.m. June 24, 2008

Hey Still,
Be still.
Try assuming good intent rather than ill, you'll be right more often if you do.

After a Little Thought | 8:45 p.m. July 7, 2008

Our son Robert Evans often worked out with Chelsi at Pine View for extra track conditioning. He once commented to me about what an extraordinary athlete and person she was and how he looked up to her. He was out of town and regretably missed Chelsi's funeral, but sends his sincere love and condolences to the Petersens. Dan Evans

Something to ponder... | 9:08 a.m. July 11, 2008

And did you ever hear the outcome of the incident...the part where the other driver was going over one hundred miles an hour UP the Canyon? guess not...something to look in to.

James D. Haeberle | 12:20 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

I am only today learning of this heartbreaking event. I do not follow college sports and have few acquaintances at her school beyond former students. She appeared to be one of those kids I always loved to teach because of their vigorous love of everything they tackled. It's always hard to lose anyone, but students sometimes get right into our hearts along with our own children. Six years ago a girl I'd worked with for two years died of the Cystic Fibrosis which had weighed her down all her life. She was a sweet, patient, quiet little Senior at Madison High in Rexburg. She died over the Christmas break and I didn't find out about it until much later. I felt that I'd lost a daughter, and I still look forward to seeing her in the resurrection. My sympathy to all of you who loved this dear girl, Chelsi.
Jim Haeberle
Chubbuck, Idaho

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