Victim of snow-laden Layton carport collapse identified

A Layton man who died when his snow-laden carport collapsed on him has been identified as a 50-year-old fast food restaurant general manager.

John Eaves, who managed the Cosa Vida restaurant in nearby South Ogden, reportedly was checking the carport and considering how to remove the built up snow and ice when it fell on him about 9:15 a.m. Monday.

Layton police Lt. Shawn Horton said Tuesday that the weight of the accumulated snow had been determined to be the cause of the "horrible, tragic accident."

The wooden carport, which was recently added to the side of an existing garage, was located at 1628 E. 2050 North.

Rescuers had to use a jack and other extrication equipment to reach Eaves, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man's family told authorities that Eaves and his wife had talked about creaking noises coming from the carport and were concerned about its stability, Eaves went out to check on the carport about 9 a.m., the same time his wife left for work.

remims@sltrib.com

Twitter: @remims