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RICHFIELD — A Utah college wrestler was killed in a crash west of Richfield on Wednesday night.
A Jeep Cherokee was heading east on I-70 about 9 miles west of Richfield when the Jeep ran off the road and into the median as the road curved, Utah Highway Patrol said. Officials believe the driver then overcorrected and went off the road to the right and rolled down an embankment, Lt. Cameron Roden said. It appears the two occupants were not wearing seat belts and were both ejected in the roll.
A man in the car was killed at the scene, and a woman was taken to a hospital with critical injuries.
The man in the accident was identified as Luke Peltier by a close friend who started a fundraiser* on behalf of the Peltier family.
"We remember the legacy Luke left, one of constant happiness and joy. Luke always had a smile on his face, a smile that was contagious," the fundraiser states. "He was an incredible friend to everyone and will be greatly missed."
Peltier is from Palmer, Alaska, but Richfield has been his home for the last two years while he was wrestling at Snow College, the fundraiser said. Peltier worked as a white water rafting guide during the summers.
Peltier was listed on Snow College's website as a sophomore in the most recent school year. He was part of a recruiting class for first-year Utah Valley University head coach Adam Hall that included four Division I transfers and five junior college transfers.
"Although we were just getting to know him, we were excited for the energy and positivity we knew Luke would bring to the program," Hall said of the former Alaska folkstyle state champion who went 9-12 in two seasons with the Badgers, including 5-5 last year. "Luke had an infectious personality, was so well-spoken, and was well-liked by his friends at Snow College. Even though he has barely spent time with our team, we will miss the opportunity to help him grow as a person, student, and athlete on the UVU wrestling team. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."
The wrestling community and Wolverines mourn the passing of wrestling recruit Luke Peltier. Luke was an outstanding athlete, ready to continue his wrestling career here at UVU. Once a Wolverine, always a Wolverine. Our hearts go out to Luke's family and the wrestling community. pic.twitter.com/IxW5YtpNAu
— UVU Wrestling (@UVUwre) July 20, 2024
Fatigue is being investigated as a potential factor in the crash, Roden said.
Contributing: Sean Walker, KSL.com
*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.
