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MONTICELLO — Police have released the names of those involved in a collision Sunday, including six who were killed — one of whom was pregnant — on U.S. 191 near Monticello.
A northbound Chrysler Town and Country van tried to pass another vehicle on the two-lane highway just before 2 p.m. It collided with a southbound Chrysler Crossfire, said Utah Highway Patrol trooper Evan Kirby.
The Crossfire was pushed off an embankment and caught fire after the crash, which occurred in the area of Peters Hill, roughly 13 miles north of Monticello, according to the Utah Highway Patrol.
Three people in a 2010 Chrysler Town and Country were killed Sunday: Samantha Blueeyes, 23, the driver of the vehicle; Alfreda A. Bowman, 28; and Esmerelda Velasquez, 11, all of Salt Lake City. Michael A. Blueeyes, 22, of Salt Lake City, died sometime between late Sunday and early Monday.
Cody R. Farabee, 22, of Queen Creek, Arizona, who was driving, and Rheana Hazel, 23, of Las Vegas, were in the Chrysler Crossfire and died Sunday. Sgt. Todd Royce from UHP confirmed Monday night that Hazel was also pregnant.
Travis L Howland, 24, of Salt Lake City, remains in extremely critical condition. He was a passenger in the van.
Charles Alires, a cousin to those killed in the Chrysler Town and Country, said Samantha and Michael Blueeyes had traveled to Kirtland, New Mexico, with their aunt, Alfreda Bowman, to pick up young Esmerelda and bring her back to Salt Lake City to visit her father.
"For them to be so young, and to try to look out for each other — just to be with one another — and go out that way; it's very just heartbreaking," Charles Alires said.
His voice trembled as he described his family members. Samantha Blueeyes was a talented athlete, he said, and Michael Blueeyes was an artist. He described Esmerelda, or Ev, as family members called her, as smart; and Bowman was loving, he said.
As for Howland, the lone survivor of the crash, Charles Alires wishes him a speedy recovery.
"I really pray and hope the best for him right now," he said. "My prayers will be out for him and his family."
Charles Alires said family members are hoping to raise money to get their loved ones back to New Mexico for burial. Anyone wishing to help financially can donate* to the Geraldine Velasquez Donation Account at any American United Federal Credit Union branch.
The families of Farabee and Hazel are raising money to help cover funeral expenses. Anyone wishing to help financially can donate* at the Go Fund Me account set up on their behalf.
The extended family of Howland has also set up a fundraiser to help with his hospital bills and his anticipated lengthy recovery. Anyone wishing to help financially can donate* at the Go Fund Me account set up on their behalf. ---
*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
