Condition of pedestrian hit by semi on I-15 improving

The condition of Logan man struck by a semi-trailer rig over the weekend as he changed a tire on Interstate 15 was gradually improving and he is expected to eventually recover, the Utah Highway Patrol says.

UHP Sgt. Todd Royce said on Tuesday that 25-year-old Monte Keiaho remained in critical condition, but his family indicated his injuries — including numerous broken bones — were no longer considered life-threatening.

Keiaho and a friend, 27-year-old Mailefihi Tuaone, of West Valley City, both were hit by the big rig on Sunday as they changed a tire on the shoulder of northbound I-15 in North Salt Lake.

Tuaone died at the scene.

The two had pulled over in a Toyota Corolla after the left rear tire went flat. The vehicle was parked on the right shoulder, fully in the emergency lane, when the semi struck them, Royce said.

Troopers are investigating whether the semi's Las Vegas-based driver drifted onto the shoulder or if the victims had stepped into the travel lane.

remims@sltrib.com

Twitter: @remims