Community, city leaders, react after fatal State Street crash
May 31, 2022, 2:00 PM | Updated: Jun 1, 2022, 9:06 am
Sam Beck was critically injured in a May 27 car accident. Beck and an unidentified person are pictured in an undated photo provided by his family. Photo credit: The Beck family
SANDY, Utah — A Sandy car crash on State Street left one person dead and several injured Friday. The Sandy City mayor and loved ones of those involved reacted to the situation.
The State Street crash
The Sandy City Police Department said a Toyota 4-Runner that ran a red light at high speed hit Sam Beck, who was traveling westbound at the intersection of 10600 South and State Street in Sandy.
The two vehicles collided with seven cars waiting at the light.
The driver of the Toyota, 35-year-old Marylee Benavidez, died from her injuries. The accident resulted in the death of her German Shepherd as well.
A message from the Beck family
According to a statement released by the family, Beck suffered multiple injuries. They include head trauma, a fractured neck, and two broken arms. Beck also suffered a broken clavicle, a broken scapula, a broken fibula, and nine broken ribs.
As of Monday, Beck completed two surgeries on his arms. An operation on his fractured neck was scheduled at the Intermountain Healthcare hospital in Murray.
“We would like to express our deep condolences to all of those who were involved in the accident, including the driver, Ms. Benavidez and her dog, who both did not survive the accident,” the statement read.
The family also recognized and thanked those who have reached out in support of the family.
“We are cautiously optimistic about his recovery and know that he [is] in good hands,” read the statement.
Sandy mayor reacts to State Street crash
Sandy City Mayor Monica Zoltanski took to Facebook Friday, first to bring attention to the crash, then to release a statement about summer travel.
Zoltanski initially posted pictures of the crash saying, “Pray for the people injured this morning. Big accident at 106th and State right now. Avoid the intersection.”
A few hours later Zoltanski posted again to address safe travel and said, “Today’s collision is an important reminder that as more people prepare for summer vacations and travel on our public roads, everyone must take great care in driving safely and with heightened awareness.”
Zoltanski also extended her concern for those injured in the crash.
Raising funds
According to a GoFundMe* account set up to help Beck pay for his medical bills, Beck faces multiple surgeries and months off of work.
A GoFundMe* fundraiser for Marylee Benavidez is also on the site and aims to raise money for her funeral and to create a fund for her two children, according to the fundraiser description.
“Marylee was a fun, loving, caring, funny friend, sister, mother and daughter. She was a great mom who loved her children and fought for them. She loved riding her horse and teaching her children that skill,” read the description.
Sandy Mayor
*KSL NewsRadio 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 advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk
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