Family Mourns Husband, Wife Killed In Sandstorm Crash On I-15

SALT LAKE CITY – A husband and wife killed in Sunday’s sandstorm crash on I-15 are being remembered as devoted parents who loved life and each other.

The series of crashes in Millard County claimed the lives of eight people, including Richard and Maricela Lorenzon of Salt Lake City.

The couple leaves behind four daughters and one granddaughter. They were also expecting the arrival of a grandson.

“She would want us to rally together and be there for her daughters, for all her daughters and grandbaby on the way, and support them as much as possible,” said Jessica Cantu, Maricela’s sister, who helped organize a *GoFundMe page for the family. “Everything they did revolved around their girls.”

Relatives have been with the girls every second.

“The last couple of days have been rough, trying to answer their questions as best as possible, and comfort them as best as possible – keeping them in prayer, keeping them in the understanding that mommy and daddy are with them and just keep them in prayer,” said Cantu.

Family members still can’t believe they’re gone.

“They definitely had an impact on everyone’s lives that they came into contact with,” said Greg Lorenzon, Richard’s brother.

Cantu described her sister and brother-in-law as an adventurous couple who loved art and dressing up in couple-themed Halloween costumes.

“Their love for each other was very, very magnetic,” Cantu said. “A lot of people picked up on that and a lot of people loved seeming them together.”

VIDEO: “Their love for each other was very, very magnetic"

Family shares memories of Salt Lake City couple killed in Sunday's sandstorm crash on I-15

“We know the Lord has them together right now"

They leave behind four daughtershttps://t.co/CTsBtzBIqZ@KSL5TV @kslnewsradio pic.twitter.com/rwvXIeGygl

— Ladd Egan (@laddegan) July 28, 2021

Richard, 51, and Maricela, 47, were driving to St. George Sunday afternoon when the accident happened between the Meadow and Kanosh exits in Millard County.

“We are devastated with this horrific loss and are determined to do all we can to spread the word in hopes of making a difference for the challenges ahead,” read the description on the GoFundMe fundraiser.

A sandstorm reduced visibility for drivers, according to the Utah Highway Patrol, resulting in a multi-car crash involving 22 vehicles.

“I don’t think they could have been without each other,” Cantu said. “We know the Lord has them together right now.”

Richard worked as a mail carrier and always had a friendly word for people along his route, his brother said.

“He touched a lot of lives, just bringing the mail to people, not only down in Texas, but also here in Salt Lake City,” said Greg. “We’ve always been proud of his service.”

He said Richard and Maricela adored their children with all their hearts and were dedicated parents.

“He was probably the most gentle, patient person I’ve ever met in my life — loving,” Greg Lorenzon said. “Mari also loved fiercely.”

“Our families are working closely together to raise funds for immediate and future expenses to provide for these children left without parents,” the GoFundMe said. “They are all surrounded by loving family, and they greatly appreciate any additional monetary support.”