1 dead after early morning crash near Vernal, officials say

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VERNAL — One person is dead after a crash early Monday morning on U.S. Highway 40, officials said.

The crash took place about 5:30 a.m. near milepost 131 on Highway 40, about 13 miles southwest of Vernal, according to the Utah Highway Patrol.

A Chrysler Sebring was traveling west on the highway, when it crossed over the median and was nearly perpendicular to the road, according to UHP. A GMC Denali that was traveling east collided with the Sebring, UHP said.

The driver of the Chrysler, identified as 30-year-old Joshua Beasley, from Vernal, died at the scene of the crash, officials said.

It is not known why the Chrysler crossed into oncoming traffic, UHP said. There was heavy fog in the area at the time of the crash, UHP Sgt. Nick Street said.

Two men who were in the Denali ran away from the crash scene on foot, UHP said. Officials with the Uintah County Sheriff’s Office and Vernal Police Department found both men shortly afterward, officials said.

One of the men had a warrant out for his arrest, according to UHP. Both were evaluated by medical personnel and then were booked into jail for investigation of leaving the scene of a crash, officials said.

The two men in the Denali were not identified.