'Forever Stitched in Our Hearts:' Utah families honor teens lost in tragic crashes

SALT LAKE CITY — In 2024, eighteen teen drivers lost their lives on Utah roads — of those, twelve were behind the wheel. Now, grieving families are turning their pain into purpose, hoping their stories will help save lives. As part of the 17th annual Teen Memoriam, families joined forces with Utah transportation and safety leaders to share powerful messages about the consequences of risky driving behaviors. This year’s theme, “Forever Stitched in Our Hearts,” is more than a phrase — it’s a tribute to young lives cut short, and a rallying cry from families for safer driving.

A mother’s grief, a daughter’s memory

Wendy Cowley is still coming to terms with the loss of her daughter, Jaxx Cowley, who died just two weeks before her 17th birthday in a devastating crash. “I had a daughter die a little over a year ago after a racing car accident and a car crash,” Wendy shared. The driver of the vehicle was reportedly traveling at 112 miles per hour, with a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit. “The car started on fire immediately,” Wendy recalled. “She had a broken left elbow.” Jaxx was pinned under the vehicle after it flipped and caught fire. "She succumbed to the smoke and fire," Wendy said.

A sister’s pain, A message of connection

Rylee Sarle lost her sister, 18-year-old Alexus Sarle, in a crash caused by speeding and texting while driving. “It was nighttime, she had run the red light and was texting,” Rylee said. The impact was catastrophic. “Her spinal cord was detached ... she was internally decapitated,” Rylee explained. “She had broken everything below her waist.” Rylee said the grief led to isolation and panic attacks, but she found strength in reconnecting with loved ones. “After a while, you need family and friends ... they’re a really big part of getting through everything,” she said.

More than safe driving

Both families emphasized that safe driving is just one part of the equation. They also spoke about the importance of forgiveness and expressing love — instead of harboring disagreements. Wendy Cowley reflected on what she would do if she had one more moment with her daughter, Jaxx. “I would sit and tell her I love her,” Wendy said. The Teen Memoriam book — filled with stories of young lives lost and heartfelt messages from their families — serves as both a sobering reminder and a powerful educational tool. You can learn more about the Zero Fatalities Program here.

This story was adapted from a TV broadcast script using artificial intelligence. Every story, including those adapted with AI, is reviewed by a human editor before publication to ensure that KSL's editorial standards are upheld.

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