Salt Lake City police have identified the victim of a fatal collision that occurred early Tuesday, according to a September 17 report. The victim was identified by the SLCPD as 20-year-old Juan Mattias Ottoniel.
Officers responding to a different call at 12:48 a.m. Tuesday discovered the victim on the roadway at the intersection of 400 South and Main Street. He was transported to a hospital where he died.
Police believe the driver involved was operating a privately owned garbage truck. The SLCPD announced that both the driver and the vehicle have been located. The driver is cooperating with an investigation being conducted by the Crash Analysis & Reconstruction Team, though officials noted these investigations can take weeks or months to complete.
White Horse Spirits & Kitchen, located at 325 S. Main, stated the victim was an employee of the business. The establishment identified the man as Ottoniel Morales and described him as a valued team member, husband, and expectant father.
White Horse Spirits & Kitchen announced it will donate 100% of sales money this Friday to Morales' wife. A fundraising campaign has also been established to assist his wife with memorial costs, living expenses, and the arrival of their baby.
