South Jordan man injured in wrong-way crash dies


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COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS — A South Jordan man critically injured in a crash police say was caused by a wrong-way driver has died.

Michael "Mikey" McMillian, 27, died Friday at Intermountain Medical Center. He had been in very critical condition since Wednesday night when his vehicle was struck head-on by another car on I-215 near 1700 East. It took emergency crews between 30 and 45 minutes to cut McMillian out of his mangled vehicle.

McMillian was surrounded by friends and family members when he died, according to his obituary.

"Mikey was loved by many because he loved all unconditionally. His light shone brightly and the world was a better place with him in it. Just being around him made you smile and your day a little brighter. He loved a good adventure and a good laugh. He liked to make you laugh and he picked you up when you were feeling down," family members wrote in the obituary.

McMillian was severely injured when his vehicle was hit by a car driven by Chanel S. Nielsen, 22. Utah Highway Patrol investigators say Nielsen drove on I-15 and I-215 the wrong way for five to six miles before crashing.

Nielsen was pronounced dead at the scene. Why she was driving the wrong way was still being investigated Monday. Utah Highway Patrol troopers, however, said they suspect alcohol may have been a factor in the crash. A vigil for McMillian was held Sunday night. Family members say he served an LDS mission in Nashville, Tennessee, and was attending Utah Valley University at the time of his death, majoring in marketing.

"He will be greatly missed but will live on due to his choice to be an organ donor," his obituary states.

McMillian is survived by his parents and two brothers. Funeral services will be held Wednesday in South Jordan.

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Pat Reavy

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