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SOUTH JORDAN — A 17-year-old girl distracted by her cellphone while driving may have led to a fatal head-on crash in South Jordan last month, according to a newly unsealed search warrant affidavit.
On Feb. 19, a 17-year-old girl was driving a Toyota 4Runner on 9800 South near 3800 West with four other people when she drifted into oncoming traffic and hit a Ford Thunderbird, police say. The 4Runner "was three quarters of the way into the oncoming traffic lane and traveling at approximately 25 mph," the affidavit filed in 3rd District Court states.
The left front fender went through the driver's side window, hitting and killing Brent Williams, 56, according to the warrant.
At the scene, police asked the teen why she crossed the double yellow line.
"She replied she was taking something out of her pocket but didn't elaborate," the affidavit states. When pressed further, the girl "placed her hands over her face."
Investigators later found a cellphone "on the floor behind the driver's seat."
"Your affiant believes (the girl) was distracted by her cellphone," an officer wrote in the warrant.
No charges had been filed in the case as of Tuesday.
