Neighbors remember West Jordan boy killed in hit-and-run

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WEST JORDAN — Friends and neighbors of 13-year-old Eli Mitchell lined his street with luminaries Monday a week after he was hit and killed by a car while riding his bike in West Jordan.

The fatal crash happened in the area of 9000 South and 1510 West last Tuesday.

"According to witnesses, (Eli) was southbound crossing 9000 South in the marked crosswalk, at the signal at 1510 West. The suspect turned right from southbound 1510 West to westbound 9000 South and struck the juvenile on their bicycle," stated a press release from the West Jordan Police Department.

Eli Mitchell, 13, was riding his bicycle in a crosswalk when he was hit and killed by a man a man who then drove off. The driver, (Photo: West Jordan Police Departement)

The driver of the truck left the scene, dragging the bicycle behind him, while bystanders tried to revive the boy. The teen boy died from his injuries.

Police later caught up with 50-year old Mason Ohms at his home in Saratoga Springs and arrested him for investigation of automobile homicide and failure to remain at an accident involving death.

When word got out of the tragedy, Eli's neighbors wanted to show the family how much they are loved.

"This all started out as just a way for the youth in the neighborhood to come together," said Lacey Marsing.

But it quickly turned into something much bigger.

"We kept getting calls and texts that everybody wanted to be involved and show their love to the Mitchells."

So, for two nights, neighbors lit 2,000 luminaries lining the street. And while they hope it shows the family love and support, they say the Mitchells have, once again, been lifting others, even during their time of need.

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Debbie Worthen

Debbie Worthen brings nearly two decades of award-winning journalism experience to the KSL Newsroom and is thrilled be working for Utah’s legacy news organization. She anchors KSL 5 News at 4 and Live at 5 with Mike Headrick and reports for KSL 5 News at 10pm. There are countless things Debbie enjoys about working in local news, but storytelling is at the top of the list. Whether it’s meeting the remarkable people of Utah as they do amazing things, informing viewers of critical breaking news and issues that impact their communities or reporting on daily assignments like weather and traffic, Debbie is honored to be the one trusted to tell Utahn’s stories. She believes journalistic integrity and a commitment to accuracy have never been more important than they are now. Debbie started her career as a writer, producer and traffic reporter while finishing her communications degree at The University of Utah before making the jump to a full-time on-air position. (Although you could say she caught the news “bug” at KOLT-News at Cottonwood High School.) After several moves across the country, Debbie and her husband, Brandon Gilbert, moved to Utah to start their family. They love everything Utah has to offer and can’t imagine living anywhere else. Outside the office, Debbie and her family are advocates for at-risk youth and have fostered several children through Utah Foster Care. As a family they enjoy movie nights in the basement, trying new recipes and, a few times a year, traveling to exotic locations!