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RIVERDALE — A dog house left on the freeway started a chain of events Sunday that led to the tragic deaths of a Layton father and his 4-year-old daughter on I-15, investigators said.
Ryan Chambers, 30, and Evelyn Chambers, 4, were killed when their car, which was stopped in traffic on I-15 in Riverdale, was hit from behind by a driver traveling at freeway speed about 5:30 p.m. The Chambers' Mazda was pushed under the bumper of a semitrailer in front of them, crushing the smaller car.
Alyssa Chambers, 28, was taken to a local hospital, and Kaya Chambers, 7, was taken to Primary Children's Hospital. The Weber County Sheriff's Office said Monday that the two were stable but remained hospitalized.
All members of the Chambers family were properly restrained by seat belts and child seats, according to the Utah Highway Patrol.
Traffic had stopped because of a large, wooden dog house that had fallen on the freeway and was blocking two lanes of traffic, troopers said. As of Monday, UHP investigators had not found the person responsible for losing the dog house on the road.
The 32-year-old driver of the car that hit the Chamberses was not injured. Charges against the Ogden woman were pending Monday. According to court records, the woman has had more than a dozen misdemeanor traffic violations in the past ten years, including speeding and driving on a denied license. She also pleaded no contest in 2005 to giving false information to law enforcement, and took a plea in abeyance to sexual solicitation in 2013, according to court records.
On social media, friends of the Chambers family mourned the loss of Ryan Chambers and his daughter.
"My heart is hurting. A wonderful young man and daddy was killed in a tragic car accident on Sunday. Even more heart breaking, so was his little girl. I have loved watching Ryan Chambers grow up, get married and start his adorable little family. I love seeing his fun family adventures on (Facebook). I love his smiling face!" one woman posted. "My prayers are all for you, Chambers family!"
A memorial fund* for Ryan and Evee Chambers was set up Monday. Donations can also be made at all America First Credit Union locations for the "Ryan and Evee Chambers Charitable Account."
*KSL.com does not 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.
