Three occupants of a 2023 KIA hatchback were killed in a head-on collision on State Route 40 on August 28, 2026, after a semi truck drifted off the road and entered the westbound lane. The crash, which occurred at approximately 2:12 p.m. near mile post 82, claimed the lives of a 52-year-old woman, a 42-year-old man, and an 18-year-old male.
Details of the Collision
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, the accident involved a 2023 blue KIA 4-door hatchback traveling westbound and a black 2003 Peterbilt semi truck traveling eastbound. The semi truck drifted off the roadway to the right and struck a guardrail. The driver of the semi truck then overcorrected, crossing into the westbound lanes where the vehicle struck the KIA head-on.
Victim Identification
The impact of the collision killed all three occupants of the KIA. The Utah Highway Patrol identified the victims as a 52-year-old female driver, a 42-year-old male front passenger, and an 18-year-old male rear passenger. The driver of the Peterbilt semi truck was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The Wright Family
The victims have been identified as members of a Vernal family. Fredrick "Rick" William Wright, 54, of Vernal, was killed in the accident, according to Ashley Valley Funeral Home. Wright was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at North Eastern Counseling and was known for his ability to speak Spanish to serve his community.
Community Impact
Heather Lynn Wright, 52, also died in the crash. She was a graduate of Indian Hills High School and held both a bachelor's degree from Utah State University and a master's degree in social work. Wright worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the Northeastern Counseling Center and was noted for her service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A Life Cut Short
Jackson Fredrick Wright, 17, was the third victim in the crash. Jackson was a student at Ashley Valley Education Center, graduating in 2025, and had enrolled to begin classes at Utah State University Uintah Basin this fall. He was a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and an avid reader.
Funeral Arrangements
The Wright family will hold funeral services on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Vernal Stake Center. Visitation for the family is scheduled for Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Ashley Valley Funeral Home, and on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will take place at Vernal Memorial Park.
Incident Summary
The crash occurred on August 28, 2026, in Duchesne County. The Utah Department of Public Safety released details regarding the incident on August 29, 2026.
