3 killed in head-on crash in Kane County
Mar 21, 2023, 8:04 PM | Updated: Apr 17, 2023, 2:45 pm
(Utah Highway Patrol)
(Utah Highway Patrol)
KANE COUNTY, Utah — Three people died Tuesday in a head-on collision in Kane County.
The crash happened near milepost 41 on U.S. Highway 89, approximately 22 miles southeast of Kanab, at approximately 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.
According to a press release from the Utah Highway Patrol, a white Honda SUV was traveling southeast on U.S. 89 when it “entered an area of slushy road conditions” and lost control. It then traveled into the northwest lanes of travel, striking a red Nissan Altima head-on.
The driver of the Nissan, identified as 46-year-old Deana Steggell, of Willard, Utah, died on scene.
A 16-year-old Willard boy, who was a passenger in the Nissan, was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries. Family members identified him as Ceasar Castel.
A 64-year-old woman was sitting in the second row of the Honda, identified as Smita Patel, of Anaheim, California, also died on scene.
Troopers said the driver of the Honda was taken to a local hospital and later flown to an area hospital in critical condition, while the front passenger of the Honda was transported in an unknown condition.
“Initial investigation indicates that the front passenger of the red Nissan as well as the second-row passenger of the white Honda were not wearing seat belts,” the release stated.
No impairment is suspected in the crash.
Family members of Steggell and Castel asked that any gifts, contributions, flowers or donations can be sent to the SereniCare Funeral Home, which can be reached at 801-906-0490.
