- Matthew Daines, 25, died saving his wife from a suspected DUI crash.
- Driver Travis McIntyre's blood-alcohol level was six times the legal limit, according to police.
- Daines is remembered as a hero by the grieving Springville community.
SPRINGVILLE — A community is grieving after 25-year-old Matthew Daines was tragically killed by a suspected drunken driver in an incident that has left friends, family and fellow athletes reeling.
Late Wednesday, Daines and his new bride Andrea were walking along a sidewalk near 400 S. Main in Springville when a Chevrolet Silverado, which police say was driven by 41-year-old Travis McIntyre, veered off the road toward them. In a final act of bravery, witnesses said Daines pushed his wife out of harm's way, taking the full impact of the vehicle himself.
Craig Miner, a longtime friend and wrestling coach who met Daines through the BYU wrestling program, described the young man as "an example to our wrestlers" and "a hero in many respects."
Miner had hosted the newlywed couple for dinner just days before the crash and said the news was "almost unbearable."
"Matthew was a great young man," Miner said. "If anything, his character lifted him far and above everything that I would hope to be."
The couple had been married just weeks earlier, and Miner shared that they were excited to begin their life together. That dream was shattered in an instant.
A GoFundMe* campaign says Daines "demonstrated his God-given gift of being a protector. A protector is always who he has been.
"Matthew eagerly embraced life with unmatched earnest. He enjoyed working hard. And he was so happy. That happiness was contagious. Matthew only spoke positively of other people and he truly had no guile. There are certain kinds of men that inspire goodness in others. Matthew was that man. This sudden loss of such a remarkable human being has left us in unimaginable grief."
The fundraising site adds, "We appreciate your desire to ease the burdens on Andrea as she navigates this loss."
Investigators said McIntyre's blood alcohol level was six times the legal limit at the time of the crash. He was booked into the Utah County Jail for investigation of automobile homicide, two counts of having an open container of alcohol in his vehicle, negligently operating a vehicle resulting in injury, reckless driving, DUI, driving on a denied license, causing a crash with property damage, and two traffic violations.
As the investigation continues, the Springville community is left to honor the memory of a man whose final act was one of selfless love. Daines is being remembered as a devoted husband and respected athlete, but also as a hero.
*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.
