Reports say traffic on I-15 had slowed nearly to a halt for construction, and the driver reportedly told officers she was at fault.
UTAH - October 21, 2026
A three-car crash on I-15 in Utah killed one passenger and left multiple people injured, according to reports. The driver, 44-year-old Christine Chao, was charged with automobile homicide over the June 12 crash.
Key Facts
- Date: June 12
- Location: Interstate 15 (I-15), Utah
- Type of crash: Three-vehicle crash in which vehicles left the roadway
- Vehicles involved: Two SUVs, one of which is reportedly associated with FedEx, and a white sedan
- Injuries / fatalities: One death; multiple injuries
- Responding agencies: Utah Highway Patrol
- Reported by: New York Post, citing TMZ, KSL and ABC4
Crash Overview
Construction on I-15 had slowed traffic to nearly a standstill when the crash happened on June 12. Charging documents cited by KSL say the SUV driven by Chao struck the rearmost of the slowed vehicles, pushing it into the vehicle ahead. ABC4 reported that Chao's blue SUV hit a white sedan, which then struck another SUV in front of it. All three vehicles left the road.
Scott LaVar Lichfield, 66, was riding in the back seat of one of the vehicles and suffered a fatal head injury, according to reports. His obituary describes him as a devoted husband and grandfather, a Sunday school teacher and a finance professional who served in several church roles.
Responding officers reportedly did not see brake marks on the road, which would have suggested the driver tried to slow down. Chao has been charged with automobile homicide, according to reports. Charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
People Involved
- Driver: Christine Chao, 44, reportedly caused the crash and was charged with automobile homicide.
- Passenger: Scott LaVar Lichfield, 66, died from a head injury, according to reports.
- Other injuries: Reports describe multiple injuries, with few further details published.