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SALT LAKE CITY -- A Salt Lake family is trying to make something positive out of the loss of their granddaughter last week in a car crash.
Melissa Stone was making a left turn at the intersection of Bingham Highway and U-111 Monday when a northbound cement truck collided with the sedan. Stone and her two children were trapped in the vehicle after the collision, which sent the car into an open field just off the road.
Her daughter, two-year old Ethne, was flown to Primary Children's Hospital in critical condition, and her seven- month-old son, Edward was treated for minor injuries. Ethne later died from her injuries. Melissa has undergone multiple surgeries and was released from the hospital Sunday.
Stone's parents, Scott and Shauna Humprey have promised themselves that they will do what they can to prevent future tragedies at the intersection. The speed limit on both roads is 50 miles per hour leading up the hill to an abrupt two-way stop.
"As you're going to make a left hand turn there, you're pretty much making a blind turn," Shauna Humprey said. "And as you're heading north and heading up that hill, you're really blind to what's at that intersection."
After the accident, Scott Humprey looked at a story on ksl.com about the accident, and as he read through comments, he saw one that caught his eye. Mayor Peter Carroon had posted some links with information about how they could push for safety improvements at the intersection, giving the Humpries a starting point for their goal.
We will stay with it until something is done. Even if it doesn't happen by mid-year, even if something isn't done -- they will be tired of us.
–- Shauna Humprey
From there they rallied friends, families, and neighbors to write into UDOT and plead their case. After just a few days they received a response from the UDOT Salt Lake County project manager. It reads in part that they have finalized a study report for the stretch of road, and that the report suggests upgrading the intersection to include a traffic signal placed prior to the intersection.
The Humpries say they will make sure those changes are made so no one else has to die.
"We will stay with it until something is done," Shauna Humprey said. "Even if it doesn't happen by mid-year, even if something isn't done -- they will be tired of us."
The family is documenting Stones's recovery through a blog, Answered Prayers. They have also set up a *donation account at America First Credit Union under Melissa Stone, as well as on their blog.
Email:akewish@ksl.com
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*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.
