UHP: Man may have taken his life in crash involving jackknifed semi-truck

MURRAY, Utah — State troopers say one person has died from gunshot wound following a crash involving a jackknifed semi-truck and a passenger car on Interstate 15. It is believed the person who died may have taken his own life.

“It does look that way,” a UHP spokesman told KSL TV.

The crash happened on southbound I-15 Wednesday morning just after the 5300 South exit.

“At this point, there was some kind of contact between the vehicles where the white car does have damage,” Lt. Jalanie Hawkes with the Utah Highway Patrol said. “The car hauler has some minor damage but it did cause the car hauler to lose control, jackknifing and ultimately, kind of coming into the barrier over here on the right shoulder.”

Driving away from scene. This is what we can see. Investigators working. Still an active scene: @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/PZ8k9ytBhH

— Karah Brackin (@KB_ON_TV) November 2, 2022

When troopers arrived on scene, they found the male driver of the car dead from an apparent gunshot wound. Troopers have not said what led up to the gunshot and crash but said the driver of the semi is cooperating with the investigation.

Troopers later said the manner of death appeared to be suicide.

Two right lanes will be closed while investigators are on scene. Hawkes said drivers should expect traffic to be backed up for a couple of hours and avoid the area, if possible.

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Suicide prevention resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. All calls to legacy crisis hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also connect to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as well.

Additional resources

• SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-33888)
• SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
• SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
• Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• The Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance Use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.

Other community-based resources

• NAMI Utah provides education, support and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental illness.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers prevention programs, public education, support for loss survivors, and fundraising for research.
• Encircle Utah: LGBTQ+ family and youth resource center.
• Utah Pride Center empowers Utah’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.
• The Trevor Project: LGBTQ teen resource center.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health
• Latino Behavioral Health Services
• Center for Workplace Mental Health offers suicide prevention and response for employers.