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DRAPER — Draper police confirmed the identity of a man that was killed after walking out into traffic on I-15 early Tuesday morning. The man was 19-year-old Christopher Vass, who lives just west of I-15.
Police went to his house last night to perform a welfare check but he wasn't there. Vass' death isn't confirmed a suicide, but police had information that he threatened to take his life.
The Utah Highway Patrol said there was no car in the area belonging to Vass, so he likely walked from his house on to the freeway.
He was hit just before 3 a.m. by a 2008 Ford Focus traveling south around 13400 South and died on scene.
The driver, a 46-year-old woman, stopped and called 911.
"I initially talked to her, she seemed to be okay," said UHP Sgt. Donovan Lucas. "Things in my experience are when family members come and see them then they break down a little more. The reality hasn't set in just yet.
Lucas said Vass was wearing dark clothing when he stepped into traffic from the right hand shoulder and the driver reported not seeing him until it was too late.
It's unknown if drugs or alcohol played a factor in Vass' decision to enter the freeway. Draper police said the case is still under investigation and his body has been turned over the state medical examiner.
More information will be posted as it's available.
