LOCAL NEWS

Crash victim’s family searching for answers

Nov 21, 2021, 7:13 PM | Updated: Nov 22, 2021, 9:46 am

WEST JORDAN, Utah — It was a long and difficult weekend for a West Jordan family after their 19-year-old son died in a car crash early Friday morning. Now, they’re asking for the community’s support.

The family is hoping witnesses or businesses with surveillance video can help them understand what happened.

The family just arrived here from Venezuela and their son was working the night shift at a factory. He wasn’t even a mile down the road when the crash happened.

The frontage road on 2100 South near 3300 West held a promising future for the Villegas family.

Less than a quarter of a mile from the area, their oldest son landed his first job in America. The family just moved to West Jordan from Venezuela less than two months ago.

But on Friday morning their hopes were shattered.

One killed in Salt Lake City crash

Salt Lake City police say a call came in around 6:15 a.m. a passerby reported a car wrapped around a tree.

“(Responding officers) found a male driver inside, deceased,” said Detective Keith Horrocks on Friday morning.

The driver was Reyner Antonio Chavez-Velasco, according to his parents Wuaicksymaro Velasco and Adrian Villegas. Chavez-Velasco’s parents say he had just turned 19 in October.

“He was so happy to come to this country- to thrive,” said Wuaicksymaro Velasco, Chavez-Velasco’s mom.

Chavez-Velasco’s parents say his dream was to finish his degree in electrical engineering but first he wanted to help his family get on their feet. He was really happy with his night job at a factory where he was recently promoted.

Salt Lake City police’s Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team was on the scene Friday morning to determine the cause and time of the crash.

“It’s hard to say, but it does look like the person has been here for several hours, at least,” said Horrocks.

But Chavez-Velasco’s parents say something isn’t adding up. They said their son clocked out of work at 5:55 a.m. just 20 minutes before the crash was reported.

They also believe Reyner was wearing his seatbelt and wasn’t driving under the influence.

“The crash left the car looking so strange, that I don’t know,” said Wuaicksymaro Velasco.

Reyner’s parents think there’s a possibility a second vehicle was somehow involved in the crash.

“If you told me he fell asleep on the wheel, fine. But he was just down the street from work, how could he fall asleep that fast?” said Wuaicksymaro Velasco.

It’s why they’re hopeful anyone with information or surveillance video can help them put the pieces together.

On Sunday, Salt Lake City police said their investigation is ongoing, but they checked with local businesses for surveillance video.

They’re asking anyone who witnessed the crash to give them a call at 801-799-3000 and reference case No. 21-213235.

They’re echoing the family’s call. If you witnessed the crash or have any surveillance video, please contact police.

They say it would be strange if he fell asleep on the road because his work is just up the road.

A GoFundMe* has also been created to help the family cover funeral expenses.


*KSL-TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

7 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

8 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

9 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

10 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

11 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

12 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Crash victim’s family searching for answers