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The University of Utah's first day of preparation for its long-awaited Pac-12 opener at Southern California turned into a time of mourning.

Janelle Tongaonevai, the wife of junior defensive lineman Ron Tongaonevai, was killed in an auto accident on Thursday night in West Valley City.

The accident occurred at 10:30 p.m., about 90 minutes after the Utes opened the season with a 27-10 victory over Montana State at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Janelle Tongaonevai was the driver of a southbound Mitsubishi Galant that was broadsided at the intersection of 4800 West and 3100 South by a westbound Jeep Cherokee that ran a red light at high speed, according to witnesses.

A juvenile passenger in the Galant was seriously injured and flown by helicopter to the hospital.

The 39-year-old driver of the Jeep Cherokee, Robert Davis, was also killed in the accident after being ejected from his vehicle.

Investigating officers do not suspect drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash.

"Our hearts go out to Ron and families and friends on both sides of the marriage," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said in a statement released by the school.

"… This is a devastating loss for everyone involved in our program. Our players and staff are grieving for Ron and our top priority is to give him our support."

Former Utah star Zane Beadles, who now plays for the Denver Broncos, expressed his sympathy on his Twitter account.

"Thoughts and prayers go out to Ron Tongaonevai and his family," Beadles wrote. "Puts life into perspective."

The Utes held meetings and watched film Friday. Players are off Saturday and Sunday before reconvening on Monday.

The Utah coaching staff will work through the Labor Day weekend to prepare for the Sept. 10 game against USC at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

Undoubtedly, focus becomes a concern after the death of Janelle Tongaonevai, who was 25 years old.

"It's tough," Whittingham said Friday afternoon. "What else can you say? Everybody's hurting. Everybody is just trying to support Ron."

Tongaonevai and his wife were married in the summer of 2010.

He was a two-year captain at Hunter High and was a key member of 5A state championship teams in 2003 and 2004.

Tongaonevai also attended Snow College, where he played in the 2008 NJCAA national championship game and was president of the school's Polynesian Club.

Tongaonevai arrived at Utah as a mid-year transfer in 2010. He played five games last season and recorded two tackles in a backup and special teams role.

Tongaonevai did not play in the Utes' win over Montana State.

Meanwhile, Southern Cal opens its season Saturday night against Minnesota.

According to Whittingham, the Utes won't make "any definitive [game] plan" for the Trojans until after the coaches watch USC-Minnesota.

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Tribune reporters Bob Mims and Janelle Stecklein contributed to this story. —

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