Police: High school senior set to graduate this week killed in Mapleton crash


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MAPLETON — A Maple Mountain High School senior who was scheduled to graduate Thursday died in a two-vehicle crash Monday night, police said.

Police responded to a report of the crash at the intersection of 1600 N. Main St. shortly after 7:30 p.m, according to Mapleton Police Chief John Jackson.

Jackson said Kathrynn Shaw, of Spanish Fork and a senior at Maple Mountain High School, died at a local hospital from injuries suffered in the crash.

The school's graduation is slated for Thursday morning at the UCCU Events Center, according to the high school’s website.

"We were looking forward to seeing her walk with her many friends at commencement tomorrow and cheer her and her friends from the Maple Mountain class of 2017 onto new adventures, challenges, and hew heights. She was heading off to college on scholarship this fall. She worked hard to be awarded a Regent Scholarship and to graduate with High Honors," the Shaw family wrote in a prepared statement.

"You truly made a difference! So here's to you my 'Sweet Girl.' You graduate this life with HIGH HONORS!!! May we all be our best and do the same."

A practice graduation was held Tuesday, where another family statement was read to those graduating Thursday.

"Please tell Maple Mountain High School students that we love them. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathrynn's friends and students. Just remember that Kathrynn's smile and giggle are close. Kathrynn would want you to have so much fun today and at graduation," the Shaw family wrote in that message.

Shaw was one of three women inside an SUV traveling south on Main Street Monday night. It rolled over after it was struck by a Mazda 3 that was traveling west on 1600 North, Jackson said.

Jackson said the Mazda, driven by a 17-year-old boy, apparently failed to stop at a stop sign before colliding with the SUV. Shaw was ejected from the SUV when it rolled over.

Two other women inside the vehicle and the boy driving the Mazda were either treated at the scene or have already been released from the hospital, Jackson added.

He said the crash remains under investigation and that charges are pending in the case.

Shaw's friends said they did not believe what happened when they heard the news.

"It doesn't feel real," said friend Holly Melling in an interview with KSL-TV. "I just feel like we are all waiting for a call from her like, 'Hey what are you guys doing?'"

"She just loves to smile and laugh," said Taylor Falkner, Shaw's friend. "She was just a great girl."

Shaw's voice is something boyfriend Bryson Shellenberg will miss hearing. He said her positive attitude is what drew him to her.

"She had an amazing personality that kind of drew everybody in and everybody wanted to be her friend," Shellenberg said.

Nebo School District officials said high school and district officials are working with counselors to help students who are grieving.


"She was really just a friend to all. ... She was just one of those students that everyone loved." — Nebo School District and Shaw family spokeswoman Lana Hiskey

"As I arrived at the high school this morning, instead of jubilation for graduation, it was a very somber mood here," said Nebo School District spokeswoman Lana Hiskey, who was also doubling as the Shaw family spokesperson.

Hiskey said Shaw was involved in dance and was a part of the school's drill team. Shaw had also received a scholarship to Southern Utah University, where she planned to go into nursing.

(Photo Courtesy Shaw Family)
(Photo Courtesy Shaw Family)

"(She) was a ray of sunshine," she said. "You talk to the students here, as well as faculty and staff, that's what they talk about: that she was just bubbly and friendly and had lots and lots of friends here at the high school. She was really just a friend to all. ... She was just one of those students that everyone loved."

A GoFundMe* account was set up Tuesday to help the Shaw's family with hospital and funeral costs. The family has also asked that donations be made to the Rock Canyon Bank of Spanish Fork in lieu of flowers.

Contributing: Ashley Moser, Brianna Bodily

*KSL.com does not assure that the monies deposited to the accounts 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.

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