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SANTAQUIN – An investigation was underway into a police chase that led to a driver crashing into a car driven by a 17-year-old Utah County girl and killing her.
Police said the driver exited the freeway, and in a matter of seconds the chase became dangerous. The driver slammed into the teen’s car at the end of the off-ramp on Main Street in Santaquin.
The girl killed was identified as Rita Dolph, 17. Officials said the driver who was fleeing police was also 17 years old.
Rita worked at CAL Ranch Stores for just under six months, but everyone had gotten to know her and love her.
“It’s just hard to know how you’re going to face it and deal with it, but we’ll work together, express our love to them and to each other,” said Rod Amussen, a manager with the store.
Store managers met with employees Monday and talked about Rita. There were many tears as people remembered her for kind and loving personality.
“Anytime we lose young people, well anyone, but young people especially, where their lives are getting started, that community has to rally together to support each other,” Amussen said.
Related:
Officials: Police chase involving stolen truck ends in fatal crash in Santaquin
A 17-year-old girl died Sunday after a teenager crashed into her following a vehicle chase with authorities, officials said.It was the third death of a Santaquin teen in a matter of weeks.
On June 18, Kaylee Marvin died after she fell 100 feet while hiking with a friend at a water fall.
On June 21, Kassidy Orme lost control of her car and struck a concrete retaining wall near Springville.
“It’s just so unexpected, so it’s harder to handle,” said Lana Hiskey, with the Nebo School District. “It’s just a really difficult time. We talk of Santaquin and Payson, and they’re two really close communities.
Teachers and students were also coming together to grieve and gathering photos and memories for the families — doing all they could to help one another and heal.
“If you walk in the halls when school is in session, these kids have a lot of energy. They have a lot of spunk. They’re full of life. They have their whole lives ahead of them, so it’s tough,” Hiskey said.
Utah County Sheriff James Tracy said vehicle pursuit protocol can vary from city to city. Essentially, they weigh the risk to the public versus the seriousness of the crime.
He also reviewed the dashcam video from the crash and said he believed the officer was following protocol.
Two outside agencies were investigating.
The driver who hit Dolph could face homicide charges. His identity was not available.
