Man involved in crash that killed 3-year-old tested positive for oxycodone
May 17, 2018, 6:47 PM | Updated: 6:53 pm
PROVO — The Provo Police Department says a driver involved in a crash which took the life of a 3-year-old last month tested positive for oxycodone just after the crash.
The department said on Facebook it arrested Rick Winder for four violations of the Utah Controlled Substance Act in connection with the crash.
The crash happened on University Avenue and 3700 North in Provo on April 15. Three cars were waiting in a southbound left-turn lane at a stop light when a Pleasant Grove utility vehicle rear-ended the back car which caused a chain reaction to the other two vehicles.
The collision claimed the life of three-year-old Chelsea Parkinson. It also left an eight-month-old in critical condition. The girl’s parents were also in serious condition.
Police say the vehicle Winder was driving drifted from the left southbound lane on University Avenue before crashing into the three cars.
Brett Parkinson released a statement through the Provo Police Department.
“The Parkinson family is thankful to all who have expressed their love and concern during this difficult time. In response to the many inquiries, please know that the family is focusing their time and energy on healing physically and emotionally from all that they suffered and lost in this tragic and preventable collision. As for the criminal matter, the family trusts that the legal system will ensure that justice is served.”