Victims killed in Utah County road rage-caused collision identified
Jun 5, 2023, 2:50 PM | Updated: Jun 13, 2023, 3:25 pm
EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah — The two people killed in a road rage-caused crash Sunday have been identified as Rodney Michal Salm, 48, from Salt Lake City and Michaela Himmleberger, 47, of Holladay.
Utah County Sheriff’s Office released the identity of the pair who were not involved in the confrontation that led to their death. An apparently intentional collision between two cars traveling in the opposite direction spilled over into their lane when one of the drivers lost control and demolished their Porsche with a Ford F-150 with a head-on collision.
The family of Rodney Salm, said he had a “lust for life” and “a heart of gold.” Michelle and Frank Salm said Rodney Salm and his girlfriend, Mischa Himmleberger spent most Sunday afternoons taking Salm’s Porsche out for drives.
“Mischa loved going wherever Rodney wanted to go,” Michelle Salm said. “She was always the person to jump in the passenger seat and go for rides.”
This past Sunday started just like any other, but, ended in tragedy. The Salms said Rodney Salm loved people, and people loved him.
“Everybody was drawn to him,” Michelle Salm said. “It didn’t matter where we were, he would pick up a conversation with anybody.”
The day after the deadly crash, friends and family gathered at Rodney Salm’s house because, they said, it was where they would all spend time together. Now, they all hope people will show more kindness and compassion and, most importantly, don’t drive angry.
The driver of that car was treated for minor injuries and Utah County Sheriff’s Office said he was headed to jail and is likely to face multiple charges related to the crash.
Law enforcement officials have requested public help:
If anyone witnessed this crash or the road rage incident but has not already provided a statement to Investigators, please call the Utah County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Bureau at (801)851-4010.
BACK TO BASICS: Remembering and following the basics of safe driving can prevent crashes and fatalities on the road. Some of the basics include: always wearing a seat belt, obeying road signs and traffic signals, keeping a safe distance from vehicles, maintaining a reasonable speed and avoiding texting or eating while driving so you can be aware of your surroundings. Click to read more.
