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PROVO — A Pleasant Grove High School student died late Friday in a crash that police say was caused by a distracted driver.
Officers responded to a crash at 1500 W. Center in Provo at the northbound on-ramp to I-15 were a GMC Yukon occupied by five people was attempting to merge onto the freeway at Center Street.
Investigators said a Dodge Ram pickup truck, occupied by only a driver, was stopped at a traffic light facing west at the intersection near the on-ramp. As the Yukon entered the intersection, the pickup truck also entered into the intersection while the traffic signal was still red, said Provo police officer Nisha Henderson.
"The driver of the pickup truck told officers that he was manipulating a GPS device and thought that the light had turned green," Henderson said. "He proceeded westbound on a red light and the front of the pickup truck struck the back right (side) of the SUV."
She said the Yukon careened into a light pole where the vehicle was impacted on the rear driver side.
"As it struck the light pole, it spun the vehicle around," she added.
River Ackley, 16, a passenger in the back seat on the driver's side, died due to injuries sustained in the crash. The teen was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, Henderson said.
All others involved in the crash were treated for minor injuries. The names of those involved in the accident had not yet been released.
A vigil was held Saturday evening at Pleasant Grove High School for the victims of the crash.
River's aunt, Rana Shaw, said the teen loved to sing and dance, and she had traveled to Disneyland with her friends for a choir tour. River had plans to become an OBGYN, and her energy and enthusiasm were contagious, Shaw said.
"Everywhere she goes, she just brings happiness to everybody," Shaw said. "Don't get me wrong, she was definitely a teenager, but she was definitely an angel."
Nate Shaw, River's uncle, thought of her as "just so happy" and "so full of energy and just so happy to be alive. She wasn't afraid to be who she was." He also expressed sympathy for the driver of the pickup truck who caused the collision.
"An accident is an accident," Nate Shaw said. "I'm sure he is beating himself up beyond measure. We hope he can find the ability to forgive himself, because we don't blame him for what happened."
A GoFundMe* account was set up to help River's family with funeral expenses. On it, family members said the girl's death leaves "so many people whose hearts are breaking. She was 16 and will be remembered and cherished by all for her contagious smile and happiness."
The site says it hopes to raise enough money to pay for funeral expenses and give River's mother "enough so she could take time off work to grieve. This family has seen so many hardships and anything would be greatly appreciated." The fund had raised more than $9,000 in its first eight hours.
Henderson said the tragic incident highlights the need for drivers to focus on the task of driving when behind the wheel.
"This is a prime example of why it is so important to not be distracted," she said. "Wearing seat belts, staying focused on the road, defensive driving and being aware of your surroundings while driving are so crucial for safety."
The officer said the 27-year old driver of the pickup truck has been cooperating with police in the investigation.
Contributing: Ashton Goodell, Morgan Jacobsen
*KSL.com does not assure that the money 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.
