Cove, Utah – Authorities have confirmed the identity of the victim in a tragic head-on collision that took place on Sunday afternoon north of Cove, Utah. Heather Marshall, a 39-year-old woman from Lewiston, was killed in the crash, which occurred on US-91, about a mile south of the Utah-Idaho border. The incident was reported at 1:43 p.m. on December 15. According to Sgt. Jason Kendrick of the Utah Highway Patrol, Marshall was driving a Mazda3 northbound when a southbound GMC Terrain SUV lost control and veered into her lane, leading to a head-on collision. Despite emergency responders’ efforts, Marshall was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses reported that the SUV appeared to hydroplane before the collision. Investigators have yet to confirm this, but Sgt. Kendrick highlighted the role of winter weather and road conditions in such incidents. He reminded drivers of the importance of proper vehicle maintenance during colder months, emphasizing that “tires are a big factor this time of year.”
The GMC Terrain had three occupants, all of whom were injured in the crash. The driver, a man from Preston, Idaho, was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered significant injuries, necessitating transport to a hospital. The front-seat passenger, a woman who had been wearing a seatbelt, also sustained injuries and was taken to a hospital in Salt Lake City. In the backseat, a 10-month-old baby was secured in a car seat and flown to Primary Children’s Hospital for care.
This collision has raised renewed concerns about road safety on US-91, marking the third fatal accident on this stretch of road within a month. Sgt. Kendrick noted that these accidents underscore the critical importance of driver attentiveness and caution, especially during winter months. He pointed out that drowsy driving appears to have been a contributing factor in all three crashes, urging drivers to take breaks if they feel fatigued.
In November, a similar head-on collision claimed the life of Timothy Christian Moosman, a 44-year-old man from Preston, Idaho, on US-91 near Richmond. Another fatal crash occurred last week on US-91 near Legacy Drive in Franklin, involving a 23-year-old woman from Preston, Idaho, in a multi-vehicle accident still under investigation by Idaho State Police.
Sgt. Kendrick reiterated the importance of slowing down and ensuring vehicles are equipped for icy or wet roads. Proper tire maintenance, seatbelt use, and staying alert are crucial to reducing the risk of accidents, especially in winter when weather conditions are unpredictable.
As the investigation into Marshall’s death continues, her family and community are mourning the loss of a beloved individual. Funeral arrangements for Marshall have not yet been finalized. This series of recent accidents along US-91 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of winter driving, and authorities continue to urge drivers to prioritize safety to prevent further tragedies on the road. For more details, continue reading the main article.
