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SARATOGA SPRINGS — A 16-year-old boy was killed on Tuesday after a driver allegedly ran a red light and struck the teenager's car, Saratoga Springs police said.
Assistant Chief Bill Robertson said it was about 2 p.m. when police received several calls about a traffic accident at Harvest Hills and Redwood Road.
Robertson said that the 16-year-old was attempting to turn left to go west on Harvest Hills. Witnesses told police that a 28-year-old man driving south on Redwood Road ran a red light and struck the teen's car.
The 16-year-old died on the scene from his injuries, said Robertson. Medical personnel tried to revive him but their attempts were unsuccessful. Robertson said that the Saratoga Springs Fire Department, Saratoga Springs police and Life Flight responded to the crash.
The 28-year-old driver of the other vehicle was transported to a hospital by ambulance in critical but stable condition, said Robertson.
According to Robertson, witnesses reported that prior to the crash the 28-year-old man was speeding and driving erratically. Police are investigating the crash as a possible road-rage situation, he added.
Westlake High School Principal Gary Twitchell notified parents of the student's death in an email later Tuesday evening.
"Today, May 25, one of our students was in car accident. I am so sorry to tell you that, Ammon Blake, a Sophomore, has died from injuries sustained in that accident. We wanted to wait until Wednesday to notify the community, but because of social media blowing up, we felt it would be better to send something tonight because some students have started congregating to mourn this loss. We encourage parents to speak to their students at this time, and encourage them to share their feelings. It is extremely important that parents are aware of how their student is feeling."
Twitchell told parents that counselors would be available throughout the week for students who may need additional support.
South Salt Lake Police Department confirmed that Ammon Blake was killed in the crash.
Southbound traffic on Redwood Road was closed at 2100 North, and northbound traffic on Redwood Road was closed at Aspen Hills Blvd. Both directions were closed until about 6 p.m., according to a tweet from Saratoga Springs city officials.
A GoFundMe* account has been set up on behalf of the family to help pay for Blake's funeral and the expenses involved.
*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 advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
