Comments about ‘Trek tragedy — 2 die when truck hits handcart near Fairview’

How very tragic! Both parties were innocent, and God bless them and their families!

My husband,Adrian and I had went to the Pagent Thursday night and throught friends had met Mr. Seely. We were so impressed with all he had done and the Castle Valley Pagent. I came home and was telling so many people how wonderful it all was, and so many didn't know anything about it, I said it was Utah's best kept secret! We had been to Ephrium's Snow college for the Temple Rider's Ass. 20th anniversary and rode over that canyon (such a beautiful canyon) to see the Pagent. We are so shocked by all the tragedy and the loss of such a good man and girl. We wish the famillies our best.

I came from Castle Dale originally and one year went to the Pageant with the kids in my Ward in Murray. I gave Montell a copy of my Great Grandfathers diary, who was an early settler in Emery County. Montell was thrilled to get it as he was always a student of Emery County history. What a great loss and tragedy it is to lose such a great and enthusiastic man who gave so much and asked so little. Condolences to all involved on such a terrible loss. My great grandfather made the exact trek Montell was on when this took place. Montell will be sorely missed and can never be replaced. He was a friend to all.

maybe people on the roadway need to slow down and pay attention.

Why do tragedies on the road happen so often? Reserving roads for speeding autos and trucks is not the solution. The only way to avert these problems is for drivers to realize that they must be attentive all the time when they are behind the wheel.

Having been on several handcart treks led by Montell, I can say that he was a great man and will be missed.

I'm glad a friend drug me down to that last Castle Pagent as well. It was my first Utah pagent and quite an amazing experience. I'm very sad to hear about Seely's tragic passing. At least he went doing something he loved, not all of us will be so lucky.

I don't think it is fair to portion blame to anyone. The driver will have many sleepless nights over this one as will the families of those involved. It was a very tragic accident and I would dare to ask how many of us driving into the sun have been blinded and uncertain what if anything was on the road. My heart goes out to all of those involved.

I have known Montell for many years, and he was a remarkable person who will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and that of the other victim.
I have driven Fairview Canyon many times. It is a steep, winding road that is narrow in places. A driver could easily be blinded by the morning or evening sun. In hindsight, it may have been better to cross the mountain on one of several gravel roads that connect Sanpete and Emery Counties. However, second-guessing and criticism won't bring back those who were lost. Let the transportation and law enforcement folks sort things out.
We can take some comfort knowing that Montell died doing something he loved.

Honored and blessed Pioneers.

Why is the des news publishing pictures of the family crying? Tragic enough as it is but having your picture shown in one of the most vulnerable moments in life is even worse.

Drivers need to get a better education, they need to always be on the lookout for bikes, bike trailers, carts, etc. It needs to be pounded into the heads of teenagers before driving freely so they'll never forget to check for anything moving along the road.

My condolences for the family. May they find peace amidst their trial.

To "unnecessary" I do not believe this was a church sponsored activity. This was a family/friends activity. That being said...this is a sad thing for all concerned. We all need to be more careful and aware of our surroundings.

My condolences to you and your family as you deal with the aftermath. You are in no way responsible for creating the hazard that ended two lives. I'm glad you weren't injured.

re Cosmo,
These people are part of the Mormon church, and they were simply honoring their pioneer heritage by doing a handcart trek. This is the church, and this is part of what the church came from, and it's ancestors.

It's easy to assign blame and point fingers in ANY accident. We ALL need to be more careful and safety conscious. What's needed right now is empathy and sympathy to all those involved. The driver of the truck is probably going to have a life time of awful feelings.

Are there any pictures of the two people who were killed?
I'm truly sorry for the two people who died in this unfortunate accident, and I'm as well sorry and for the driver of the truck. May you all find peace.

Why criticize when these wonderful people had a right to celebrate their pioneer heritage. After all, this is UTAH, and they do things like that here.

mr seeley has just met mr willey and martin et.all. and is having a great chat about handcarts. interesting conversation?

Well, my ancestors too, came to America on the Mayflower, and they also crossed the plains with the Mormon pioneers. I think it is nice to be able to honor those who have lived and died before us. We would not be here if it weren't for those people.

I am also very sad about this tragic accident. God bless everyone who was involved and the families too.

Why are you some of you blaming people during this tragic time! You are completely inconsiderate of the families and friends involved and should be ashamed to say the least. Think what you want in your heads but don't put it out there where loved ones are affected by it. This was an accident and this is a point where those involved should be shown love not hate. It is difficult enough for these people as it is, please don't make things worse by your inconsiderate thoughts and ideas. My thoughts and prayers go out to those involved.