SARATOGA SPRINGS, UTAH — A Genola truck driver has been charged with second-degree felony manslaughter months after a May crash in which his semi-truck struck a minivan broadside in an intersection, killing a 13-year-old boy and injuring his mother and younger sister.
Michael Lynn Fowers, 53, was charged with manslaughter and four misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment for the May 14 crash at the intersection of Pony Express Parkway and Mountain View Corridor. A summons has been issued for him to appear in court.
According to charging documents, Fowers was driving eastbound on Pony Express Parkway at approximately 40 mph pulling two side-dump trailers when the light ahead turned yellow. He did not slow or stop. His semi-truck entered the intersection eight seconds after the light had turned red.
At that moment, a mother was driving northbound on Mountain View Corridor with her 13-year-old son in the front seat and three younger children in the back. When her light turned green, she proceeded through the intersection. Fowers’ truck struck the minivan broadside.
The 13-year-old was transported to the hospital and later pronounced dead. The mother also suffered serious injuries. A 10-year-old daughter in the backseat suffered a concussion. Three other children in the vehicle were also present. Two of the younger children were not seriously injured and were released at the scene to family members.
After the crash, Fowers told police he believed he had a green light. His own dashcam footage showed otherwise — the light had been red for eight seconds before he entered the intersection. Vehicles driving alongside Fowers were seen slowing and stopping for the light change while Fowers did not brake or react until the moment of impact.
A neighbor of the family, speaking while asking that the family’s privacy be protected, said the community has been devastated by the loss. The mother survived, though the road to physical recovery remains uncertain. The 10-year-old was not critically injured though the potential effects of the concussion are still unknown. “They are a kind family and our neighborhood will continue to rally around them as best we can,” the neighbor wrote.
Community account courtesy of a neighbor.
📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.
