Child killed in multi-vehicle crashes that closed I-15 in Ogden
Mar 9, 2022, 6:45 AM | Updated: Jun 8, 2022, 1:51 pm
OGDEN, Utah — A child has died from their injuries following a series of crashes involving as many as 10 cars on northbound Interstate 15 in Ogden Wednesday morning.
Officials with the Utah Highway Patrol confirmed the 3-year-old girl, later identified as Jax Phillips, passed away just after 3 p.m. Wednesday. A GoFundMe* has been set up to help Jax’s family with funeral expenses.
State troopers said there were three collisions that ended up blocking northbound I-15 lanes before the 21st Street offramp in Ogden. KSL’s Shara Park and Chief Photographer John Wilson were one of the first vehicles on scene after the crashes occurred.
We are grateful for people who stop to help others in times of need. Today @KSL5TV reporter @KSLSharaPark stopped to assist a 4 yo girl and her mother on a crash that occurred near Ogden. pic.twitter.com/XICRtFk8eq
— Utah Highway Patrol (@UTHighwayPatrol) March 9, 2022
The most serious of the crashes involved five cars, according to the Utah Highway Patrol. It started when a Hyundai Genesis lost control, hit the center concrete barrier then stopped facing the wrong way.
Shortly after that, troopers say a Chrysler PT Cruiser overcorrected to miss the Genesis, hit the center barrier and turned sideways, blocking the left two lanes.
A Dodge Ram was unable to avoid the PT Cruiser and hit the vehicle on the driver’s side at the rear passenger door.
Just learned that 9 vehicles were involved in this Ogden crash, we were so focused on keeping the child breathing that I only noticed the ones around me. I was also praying another vehicle wouldn’t crash into those of us trying to help. So glad everyone slowed down so quickly. pic.twitter.com/LaJjRAO6C6
— Shara Park ✨ (@KSLSharaPark) March 9, 2022
The fourth car, a Toyota Corolla, came around the corner and hit the Genesis head-on before the last car, a Honda Civic, came around the corner and hit the PT Cruiser on the right passenger side.
Troopers said Jax was in the PT Cruiser. Another adult was hospitalized with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Family has created a Gofundme for 3-year-old Jax Phillips’ funeral cost 💔https://t.co/vGGAnaiwzg
— Shara Park ✨ (@KSLSharaPark) March 10, 2022
No cause for the crash has been released by authorities, but wet and slick road conditions have been reported in the area and across northern Utah.
Traffic was diverted off I-15 at the 21 Street exit until lanes reopened around 7 a.m.
Some valley locations experienced a rain/snow mix Wednesday morning, and a colder air mass will move in Wednesday night.
KSL meteorologist Kristen Van Dyke said to expect showers to gradually head south, but most of the Wasatch Front will continue to see scattered showers through the afternoon.
*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 advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
