Derek Lowe, a 47-year-old Tooele resident, died in a chain-reaction collision on westbound I-80. The crash, caused by two prior accidents and traffic congestion, highlights growing concerns about road safety in the expanding Tooele Valley. As UDOT works to improve I-80, Lowe's family seeks awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
A Tooele family is mourning the loss of their cherished brother-in-law and uncle, Derek Lowe, who tragically died in a chain-reaction collision on westbound I-80 . Lowe, 47, was driving home from work when a traffic buildup contributed to a fiery crash that took his life. 'We have a family chat that, when accidents happen, we immediately text, 'Is everyone home safe?' Unfortunately, we just couldn't get ahold of him,' said Emilie Stahl, Lowe's niece.
'He was seriously the best uncle that anyone could have asked for. He loved and cared for every single person that came into his life and didn't let them go,' said Hayley Stahl, another niece. 'I'm going to miss him.' Investigators reported that two prior accidents on I-80 on January 16 caused significant traffic congestion, creating the conditions for the fatal collision. A driver who was unable to stop in time made a sudden lane change, triggering the deadly crash. 'Both lanes of travel that were headed out that way were slowing, if not stopped for traffic,' said Utah Highway Patrol's Lt. Chamberlin Neff, who responded to the scene. Tooele Valley's growth is leading to increased congestion, raising concerns about road safety. Geoff Dupaix, a planning manager for the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), stated that efforts to enhance I-80 are already in progress. 'There is a project this year to make some improvements to I-80 between the SR202 connection and the Milepost 99 interchange,' Dupaix said. Lowe's family believes these changes could make a difference. 'We're never going to stop the growth and the congestion, but we can stop not paying attention to being around all of the busyness, because we are a busy community,' Emilie Stahl said. The 33-year-old driver who caused the crash remains hospitalized. It is uncertain if any charges have been or will be filed
FATAL CRASH I-80 TRAFFIC CONGESTION ROAD SAFETY TOOELE VALLEY
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