Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- A Utah community supports Maurin Pace after her husband's death in a hit-and-run.
- An arrest was made days later.
- Friends started a GoFundMe to help Maurin Pace, highlighting Garrett Pace's unfulfilled dreams.
LEHI — A community is coming together to support a woman who lost her husband in a hit-and-run crash on March 25.
Garrett Pace, 23, was hit while riding his motorcycle at Gardner Lane and Redwood Road in West Jordan. West Jordan police said the driver of the SUV, who hit Pace, drove off before responding officers arrived. Days later, an arrest was made.
Garrett Pace and his wife, Maurin Pace, were married for less than two years. Friends said Maurin is still processing her husband's death.
"It's going to take a lot of time," said Courtney Kearns, a friend of the couple. "Her world is shattered. They were creating such a beautiful life together."
Kearns works with Maurin Pace at Made by Mary, a local woman-owned jewelry company in Bluffdale.
"Maurin always has been so quick to comfort those in need. She is so helpful. We bonded very quickly when I met her at work," Kearns said. "Now, watching her experience the unimaginable, I see how truly good she is."
Kearns started a GoFundMe* to help Maurin Pace during this time of loss.
"She is very strong, and she is going to continue to do great things, especially with the help of this GoFundMe," Kearns said. Friends are hoping the funds raised will ease her burdens during this time.
Before his passing, Garrett Pace was working as a metal fabricator and had dreams of starting his own welding business.
"He lived life to the fullest. He was full of hope, faith, and aspiration," Kearns said. "He always had a project he was perfecting. In fact, he personally welded and created the wedding ring that he proposed to her with." Friends said he spent months working on that one-of-a-kind engagement ring.
The young couple was married in August of 2023.
Maurin wrote about him in a social media post that read, "Garrett was too good for this life. His work continues on the other side."
"Garrett really adored Maurin. He loved her so much," Kearns said.
A viewing and celebration of life will be held to honor Garrett on Thursday in Lehi.
Contributing: Mary Culbertson
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
