Troopers still seeking answers in I-15 shooting death; suicide suspected

MURRAY — Troopers are still seeking answers in Wednesday's unusual shooting death on I-15.

Investigators believe the driver found dead of an apparent gunshot wound to the head after his vehicle crashed with a semitruck in Murray likely died by suicide, but they are still looking at the evidence before they make a final determination, Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Cameron Roden said Friday.

Officers found the man's body outside of his vehicle, near the semitruck that had just collided with his car.

The semitruck driver witnessed the shooting, according to the sergeant.

When asked why troopers believe the driver of the car died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Roden said he could not yet release those details while the investigation continues. The man's name has not yet been released.

About 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, the semitruck and car collided in a "sideswipe-type" collision, in the area of 5300 South. The car was hit on its passenger side, and the semitruck sustained damage from the crash on its driver's side.

The driver of the semitruck then lost control and jackknifed on the wet road, blocking the right three lanes of traffic, while the driver of the car pulled off on the freeway shoulder.

As officers arrived at the scene, they found the driver of the car deceased with a gunshot wound to his head, Roden has said.

Investigators on Wednesday said they had not found "any immediate signs of foul play" or of road rage leading up to the crash. The driver of the semitruck remained at the scene and was cooperating with the investigation.

When asked whether police found a gun, Roden said Wednesday that a "weapon was located" in the area.

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