'I loved him': Green River residents remember, mourn beloved mayor after tragic crash

GREEN RIVER, Emery County — The community of Green River, in Emery County, is in mourning after their mayor was killed late Friday when his vehicle was hit head-on by a semitruck.

Just after 9:30 p.m., a Freightliner semi was heading west on U.S. 6 about 8 miles west of the town of Green River. Utah Highway Patrol said "for an unknown reason," the semi started drifting into eastbound lanes where it struck a Hyundai Palisade.

The semi then veered back to the westbound lanes, and the Hyundai was forced to the right, coming to a rest on the right side of the eastbound lanes, according to UHP.

Utah Highway Patrol identified the crash victim as Mayor Ren Hatt. He was 40 years old.

Town officials in a Facebook post on Saturday said the "community is heartbroken" by the death of Hatt, a "devastating loss for our community."

"Mayor Hatt was a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about the people of Green River and worked tirelessly on their behalf. A popular mayor, he was r-elected to serve a second term, just four weeks prior to the crash, receiving over 65% of the vote. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones as we all grieve this tragedy together," Green River officials said.

Seeking comfort and a chance to remember

Many residents gathered at Green River High School on Saturday afternoon for a boys' basketball game — seeking comfort in familiar routines and a chance to honor a leader who left an unforgettable legacy.

"We're going to miss him a lot," said student Jessica Norman, describing her shock of learning the news late Friday.

Jessica's mother, Shannon Johnson, said Hatt was close to her son, Ryder, who competed in debate under Hatt's guidance. "My son Ryder spends a lot of time with Ren," Johnson said. "He took him to compete all over. … My son adores him."

On the City Council, colleagues remembered Hatt for his intellect, work ethic and compassion.

"He's such a kind person and so smart," Councilman Larry Packer said, who served four of his six years on the council with Hatt. "He wanted good things for Green River, and he worked his butt off to make sure that happened. Very good man."

Councilman Kent Nelson said he learned about the crash while traveling home from a high school boys basketball game. "My phone went off. There was an issue out on (U.S.) 6 — that's the first thing I got," Nelson said. Moments later, "I got a call from one of my friends that works at the city, and he said, Ren was in an accident, and he's gone."

At Saturday's game, the crowd cheered, danced, and donned beanies — a simple, warm tribute to Hatt, who wore one to every high school matchup. Amid deep mourning, the community celebrated a life well lived and a person deeply loved.

"He's going to be very missed. It's true. I loved him," Jessica said.

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