The family of a Salt Lake woman who died in a traffic accident in 2005 has sued the ranch they believe was responsible for a dust storm that contributed to the crash and drivers of vehicles who did not slow for the dangerous conditions.
The 51-year-old woman, Ruth Newman Howells, was a passenger in a southbound car on I-15 near Fillmore on August 16, 2005, when the crash occurred. Her vehicle slowed when it encountered a dust storm that completely impaired visibility, according to documents obtained in 3rd District Court on Wednesday.
While the car was slowing, a truck hit the woman's car from behind and the car went spinning. Another vehicle then hit the spinning car and then was hit itself and ricocheted back into the first vehicle.
The family of the deceased woman is suing for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of inheritance, loss of right to receive financial support and incidental and miscellaneous damages. They have also asked for punitive and exemplary damages and for court costs.
The family, which includes Howells' three children, allege that a worker driving a tractor at the White Sage Ranch negligently caused the fatal dust storm over I-15 and that the three drivers acted negligently for failing to slow down in light of the bad conditions.
The drivers named in the suit are Chrisee Crocker, Tyler Bishop and Deon Beckstead, all of Salt Lake County. Other defendants listed in the suit include SIDCO Inc., Missouri Flat Unlimited, and five unknown people.