CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Two people killed in road rage crash near Eagle Mountain are identified

Jun 5, 2023, 6:13 AM | Updated: 3:05 pm

the aftermath of the road rage crash in eagle mountain is shown...

Peterson Drew Matheson was charged with two counts of manslaughter following a fatal road rage accident that claimed the lives of two uninvolved individuals.  ( KSL 5 TV)

( KSL 5 TV)

EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah — Two people killed in a crash on SR-73 near Eagle Mountain have been identified.

In a tweet, the Utah County Sheriff’s office identified the driver and passenger as Rodney Michal Salm of Salt Lake City, age 48, and Michaela Himmelberger of Holladay, age 47. 


Officials said that the two were killed in a crash that began as a road rage.

Sergeant Spencer Cannon said the drivers in a 2016 Ford F-150 pickup truck and a white 2014 Nissan Maxima, the only people in their vehicles, “had been involved in a road rage incident of some kind starting down at the City Center near the rodeo grounds in Eagle Mountain.”

He explained that the two continued their road spat for several miles, up Eagle Mountain Boulevard and onto Highway 73 around 1:30 pm. SR 73 is one of the main highways west of the county west of Utah Lake.

As the two headed eastbound on SR 73, he said the truck sped behind the car, then drove into the shoulder and rammed the car from the side.

Cannon explained that the driver of the car slammed on his brakes, and the driver of the truck “lost control, went across the center line, and crashed head-on into a vehicle that was driving westbound.”

Cannon said the truck crashed into a 1987 Porsche 911 with a man and woman inside, killing them on the scene. He described how the man and woman were part of a local Porsche club driving with several vehicles out for a leisurely Sunday cruise.

The driver “that lost control that was involved in the road rage has been taken to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray with non-life-threatening injuries,” Cannon said.

He will go to jail, Cannon said, likely on multiple charges in the fatal crash. He said he wasn’t sure if the driver of the car would be charged as well.

The names of the two who died haven’t been released.

Related:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Crime, Police + Courts

The shoreline and mountains of Sand Hollow State Park are pictured....

Devin Oldroyd

18-year-old drowns at Sand Hollow Saturday

An 18-year-old male drowned at Sand Hollow Saturday afternoon. Park officials are encouraging everyone to wear a life vest.

12 hours ago

A Logan police cruiser is pictured outside the department on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019....

Devin Oldroyd

Logan Police looking for hit-and-run suspect

The Logan Police Department is searching for a suspect involved in a hit-and-run Saturday afternoon. Police are investigating the incident.

14 hours ago

Authorities are searching for missing twins Belle and Braeden Fernelius from Brigham City Saturday....

Devin Oldroyd

Police searching for missing twins from Brigham City

Authorities are searching for missing twins Belle and Braeden Fernelius from Brigham City Saturday.

15 hours ago

Bear Lake State Park, Jan. 2024....

Devin Oldroyd

Body of missing Utah man found in Bear Lake County, Idaho

The body of a man missing since November 2023 was found in Bear Lake County, Idaho Thursday.

16 hours ago

Body cameras capture sudden struggle in Tooele with 'Proud Boys' fugitive (screen grab, KSL TV, vid...

Andrew Adams, KSL TV

Body cam captures struggle in Tooele with ‘Proud Boys’ fugitive

During a fugitive search inside a home, police said they suddenly found themselves in a potentially dangerous struggle with someone else.

18 hours ago

trooper speaks to pulled over car, drunk driving in Utah...

Peter Johnston

Utah bucking trend of fewer arrests for drunk driving

Arrests for drunk driving have dropped nationwide, but in Utah, enforcement continues to increase.

22 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

a doctor putting her hand on the chest of her patient...

Intermountain Health

Intermountain nurse-midwives launch new gynecology access clinic

An access clinic launched by Intermountain nurse-midwives provides women with comprehensive gynecology care.

Young couple hugging while a realtor in a suit hands them keys in a new home...

Utah Association of Realtors

Buying a home this spring? Avoid these 5 costly pitfalls

By avoiding these pitfalls when buying a home this spring, you can ensure your investment will be long-lasting and secure.

a person dressed up as a nordic viking in a dragon boat resembling the bear lake monster...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Legend of the Bear Lake Monster

The Bear Lake monster has captivated people in the region for centuries, with tales that range from the believable to the bizarre.

...

Live Nation Concerts

All the artists coming to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre (formerly USANA Amp) this summer

Summer concerts are more than just entertainment; they’re a celebration of life, love, and connection.

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

Two people killed in road rage crash near Eagle Mountain are identified