Deseret News | 3 people are killed in crashes on I-15

Reader comments
3 people are killed in crashes on I-15

People Never Learn | 11:06 a.m. Aug. 2, 2008

Driving is the one thing most of us do that kills around 400 people a year in Utah alone. Can you think of anything else you do that kills that many people?

When will people start driving with the care and attention it deserves?

Never.

Seriously | 12:19 p.m. Aug. 2, 2008

Two peole are dead and all you folks can comment on is whether or not the officer should have used different words when explaining the language barrier. Let's focus on what really matters. This family was just ripped apart. Show some compassion and think of them instead of the officers choice of words. At a time like this I doubt the word "hispanic" is what this family will be concerned with.

Bigger issue | 12:59 p.m. Aug. 2, 2008

After driving to Salt Lake from Provo the past few days, I am shocked that there aren't more accidents and fatalities on I-15. I had people passing me and weaving in and out of traffic at speeds at least 20 miles or more over the speed limit. Text messaging and talking on cell phones are definitely the greatest distractions on the road. I feel for those that lost loved ones in this accident but we all need to be more responsible drivers.

Comments continue below

Judy | 3:36 p.m. Aug. 2, 2008

1) The communications issues are part of the story but Spanish-speaking may have been a better description than "Hsipanic" as many "Hispanics" are US born and only speak English or at most Spanglish (English with a little Spanish)
2)Even if you speak a second language reasonably well, you may have trouble communicating in that second language after you have been thrown from a vehicle in a crash in which your siblings and mother died.
3) SUV is relevant because SUVs tend to rollover when the driver overcorrects.
4) It would be nice to know where this poor family lives. Is there another parent or other related adult in the area
5) I hope the Utah community embraces them in there sorrow just as they have embraced the poor fireworks victim

Ricky Ranger | 4:22 p.m. Aug. 2, 2008

I feel for the family and their tragedy.

I want to know more about Ricky Ranger SGT Corey Nye, who apparently can't spot a stopped car in front of him. Probably like a large percentage of other police I see talking on cell phones or typing into mounted laptops. I see state police all the time driving over the speed limit with nowhere urgent to go, or cruising slow in the passing lane almost as if to bait somebody into passing them on the right just to get back to the speed limit.

A good number of our police are excellent drivers but don't be mistaken, there are a good number who are as dangerous as the teenagers they target for apprehension.

Ken Goddard | 4:58 p.m. Aug. 2, 2008

Good complete story and tells it like it is (was). Not being able to communicate is a major issue. Compare this to the useless Trib article.

Sad | 5:07 p.m. Aug. 2, 2008

My prayers go out to the family. Prego per la famiglia. Rezo por la familia. Je prie pour la famille.

Cam | 5:12 p.m. Aug. 2, 2008

I wonder what it will take for people to realize how their driving affects so many and drive responsibily. I am sad for this family, but I would like to know the details. I cannot count how many times that I've been passed on the freeway by someone on their cell phone, yelling at kids, swirving through the traffic, while driving 25 miles over the limit. Then an accident occurs and everyone is screaming "tragedy!".

Those people left their home this morning and some of them will never return. Oh, if we could turn back time. I'll make sure I pray for them- in English and Spanish.

I feel for the extended family | 5:15 p.m. Aug. 2, 2008

This was a group going to a soccer tournament in Salt Lake City. I know because I was a ref at a game played by others on the team. I feel for the families involved and for the members of the team. The rest of your comments are way off-centered and have no business on this site.

So Sorry! | 7:18 p.m. Aug. 2, 2008

There was a moment of silence held at the soccer tournament in behalf of the suffering family and others who were involved in this tragic accident.

Richard | 7:49 p.m. Aug. 2, 2008

A car can one of two purposes. You can drive it or it will take you for a ride. Drivers have to ralize that they have to be in control at all times. Things hppen to quickly and you aren't albe to over correct them.

appalled visitor/former resident | 9:20 p.m. Aug. 2, 2008

I am truly sorry for this family and their tragic loss. I am sure this was an accident and I extend my deepest sympathy to them. Many years ago I lost a family member to an accident on I-15 in the SL Valley.

I just spent the last week in Salt Lake and Provo visiting relatives. I commented several times as I drove between the two cities on I-15 that I felt like Utah drivers have a death wish. Speeding at least 20 mph OVER the posted speed limit is the norm; texting; weaving in and out of traffic; passing on the right; and cutting other drivers off are also normal behaviors.

I live in a densely populated area (Seattle)where the traffic is terrible. (I've also lived in the L.A. area -- so I know traffic.) I don't think Seattle drivers are exactly the best but quite frankly they look really good after what I've observed during the past week.

Utah drivers need to hang up the phone, slow down, and lose the death wish.

friend of family | 11:18 p.m. Aug. 2, 2008

I am a family friend to the boy that was killed in this accident. They are an amazing family and our prayers are with them as they grieve for him. His parents are both from Portugal, that wonderful little country in Europe and both speek English than most Americans I know. His mother does volunteer interpreting work for the LDS church. This is an amazing family and it would do good to have a prayer in our hearts than to try and make up stories of what we think could have happened. Finding ways to help and comfort each other in times of need will help us all in the long run.

Luis Camara Manoel | 11:35 p.m. Aug. 2, 2008

Kevin is a friend of our family, and he is Portuguese as is his mother, father, and two brothers. Their English is flawless, as was Kevin's. It is time to pray for the two families who have lost so much in this tragedy.

The Real Issue | 12:40 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008

My heart goes out to this family and their loss. I would not in anyway want to judge what happened... there are simply accidents caused by any number of situations which can occur on the highway.

However, as I drive the I-15 corridor from Ogden to Springville I am constantly surprised at the recklessness and lack of adherence to the law by so many drivers. So much loss could be avoided if people paid attention, obeyed the law (SLOW DOWN!!); drove defensively and courteously; USED SEAT BELTS for adults and kids; and got off the phone!

The citizens of Utah ought to be embarrassed at the very high rate of traffic fatalities in this state (even with a much lower rate of alcohol-related accidents compared to other states). Most fatalities are due to not using seat belts and high speed.

This is not rocket science... it's common sense!

Silas | 6:44 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008

Wow! This article get everyone's emotions pumping. Keep up the good work reporting. Only through communication can we solve these issue.

May our prayers and well wishes be with this family.

Anonymous | 11:23 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008

Teresa was my co-worker and friend I just said good bye to her las thursday when our shift ends I can't believe that all you care is about race and religion.
a family is suffering right now .

Citizen in SG | 2:34 p.m. Aug. 3, 2008

The initial story I read on the second collision involving UHP officers didn't mention they were just leaving the scene of the tragic accident. Now, for me it is understandable that an officer, who has spent a couple of hours in crisis mode attending to critical injuries and/or impatient motorists delayed by the accident, could momentarily lose focus and rear end another vehicle. My thanks to this officer and all emergency responders. Also, my sympathy and prayers for the families.

No more comments | 3:03 p.m. Aug. 3, 2008

Do you remember the good old days when we couldn't post any comments on articles? Those were kinder, gentler days. It seems that commenting brings out the worst in a certain kind of people. I wish we could go back to that time of no comments and just pure news. Maybe we would feel better about each other. We don't know how we will react in times of severe stress. I have a feeling I might not be able to speak in any language. Let's hope we will never have to experience this kind of accident ourselves. I hope this family will recuperate rapidly and I hope they don't have to read these comments.

Error | 8:10 p.m. Aug. 3, 2008

"Valencia and her son, Kevin Santos, were pronounced dead at the scene." Kevin and Teresa Valencia were NOT related.

where? | 10:52 p.m. Aug. 3, 2008

What part ot Utah is this wonderul family from? I feel so sad for them. I went to school with a velencia and that is why I am wondering where they were coming from to come to Salt Lake. In any event I send my sympathies to the families.

Check your insurance | 11:53 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008

Please everyone who reads this, call your insurance agent an make sure you are adequately coverered!! Not one of us ever knows we will need it, and we think it is a waste of money, but in a case like this, it is not....do not carry the state minimums!!! PLEASE

R.I.P. KEVIN SANTOS ♥ | 1:54 p.m. Aug. 4, 2008

Much love to Kevin and his family. It breaks my heart to know that I will never see that always smiling face out on the soccer fields or in the school hallway. He had so much left in him to live, laugh, love, and be happy. We were such good frineds, he always knew how to make some one happy when they were down. I loved his passion in every thing he did and I will always miss him for that. I love you Kevin Santos you were a great friend.

He will always be remembered. I will share with others the kind of joy, happiness, and love he brought to me, his friends, and his family.

you will always be in my prayers kevin, and i wish the most of sympothy for your family.

.♥.♥.♥. ...Rest In Peace Kevin Sanots... .♥.♥.♥.

went to kevin's school PHS | 6:49 p.m. Aug. 4, 2008

I didnt really talk to kevin much. i knew he was a nice person and he got along with almost everyone. It breaks my heart to know that someone i saw and knew is allthe sudden dead... RIP kevin santos...

Praying for you! | 7:45 p.m. Aug. 4, 2008

I am a former teacher of Kevin and remember when he arrived to Provo. He was bright eyed and so eager to help but more importantly to learn. He learned English so quickly and adapted to the change of culture with out losing who he was or his passion for life. What an enormous loss we have all had since he was full of potential being trilingual and gifted in so many ways.
Teresa and her family have been a great support to the teachers at our school. I have visited with their family and they are grieving the loss of an angel. Many times Teresa was the last parent to leave a school sponsored event because she wanted to ensure that I would get to my car safely. She loves her children who are now healing by their fathers side as they incurred injuries in the accident.
To both of the families from the teachers who have had the privilege to work with you and your children we will pray for you!

gabriela | 8:06 p.m. Aug. 4, 2008

R.I.P Kevin Santos,
We Will all miss you!! Always you'll be in my heart no matter what..
The Kince Party we are dedicading it to you..
We Love You...
Your Dear Friend Gabriela

Anonymous | 10:38 p.m. Aug. 4, 2008

how can I help the family,I worked with Jorge and Teresa, please help

brecca | 10:05 a.m. Aug. 5, 2008

Kevin Santos was a wonderful person, and i only wish i could of gotten to know him better.
he was always fun to have in class, and was always' there to
offer a smile if you were down.

i cant believe he's gone. i feel for the family, and hope they will be able to be ok with time.

john | 12:30 p.m. Aug. 5, 2008

well we all look for reasons for wy accidents happen . but they are what they are and that is when for some reason or another everything goes wrong and people die or get heart . the right thing to do when a family friend or some one you know gets hurt is come together and help each other because some day you to (WILL NEED ) that compassion and love .were all brothers and sisters no matter what color or race or religion . all the comments and remarks made have some truth to them but make no change to what happened and cant be undone . so here is a challenge to all just take a day and slow down your lifes and see what you have and realize how much it means to . and do what it takes to protect and love what it is that means so much

Deseret News | 4:38 p.m. Aug. 5, 2008

You people know nothing. Just please keep your ignorance to yourself.

Utah Valley Soccer | 11:04 p.m. Aug. 5, 2008

The Utah soccer community suffered a tremendous loss on Saturday. Teresa was very dedicated to her children and her children's teammates. She is a person that cannot be replaced. The Champions FC soccer club and the rest of the Utah Valley soccer community has lost a huge part of their family. These kids were not just average players. Some played on the regional championship futsal team from Salt Lake. Now they are recovering from various injuries and some may not play again for over a year. Our family has fasted and prayed on their behalf for a quick recovery and comforting. We hope others will do the same. I understand that accounts have been set up at any Mountain America Credit Union branch if anyone would like to help either the Valencia or Santos families in their time of need. We love and will miss Teresa and Kevin.

Anonymous | 9:03 a.m. Sept. 18, 2008

I'm Kevin Santos mother and I've read all the comments and I would like to thank you for all the kind words written about my son. Thank you so much for all your prayers. May the Lord bless you all.

GB | 10:12 p.m. Sept. 25, 2008

I wish never of this happened. Kevin Santos was my best friend in provo high. He was a really cool guy. Also he was a really good soccer player. We would hang out alot in school. Then school ended and summer started and then I never saw him again. Then I heard about this crash during this summer and I was really sad. I will miss you kevin you will always be my best friend. RIP kevin
Your friend GB

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