West Valley City man killed in Parleys Canyon crash

A West Valley City man was killed Sunday when the pickup he was driving collided with the rear of a semitruck, the Utah Highway Patrol said.

The accident happened about 11:30 a.m. as Winston S. Craig, 29, was driving his Ford F-250 truck and pulling a U-Haul trailer west up a steep grade on Interstate 80 near mile marker 135 in Parleys Canyon.

Witnesses gave some conflicting reports about the crash. One told the Utah Highway Patrol that Craig passed them in the right lane but didn't appear to see the semi until it was too late. Another said Craig changed lanes much earlier but still didn't see the semi, which is owned by Steven's Trucking of Texas and was hauling 42,000 pounds of dry freight. The semi was travelling in the far right lane at 22 mph with its flashers on, UHP said.

Both witnesses said Craig swerved toward the right shoulder to avoid a collision but hit the right rear corner of the semi, UHP said.

He died at the scene before medical personnel could arrive. He was the only person in the truck.

The driver of the semi and his passenger were not injured.

The accident remained under investigation Sunday.

Jim Dalrymple II