Truck driver found dead after crashing into Deer Creek Reservoir is identified
May 20, 2024, 8:06 PM | Updated: May 22, 2024, 6:10 pm
Crews responding to an accident where a semitruck driver is missing after crashing into the water on May 20, 2024. (Utah Highway Patrol)
(Utah Highway Patrol)
CHARLESTON, Utah — A semi truck driver found dead in Deer Creek Reservoir on Tuesday has been identified.
Richard Bowman, age 62, from Torrey, Utah was driving the truck southbound on SR-189 when he lost control Monday night.
Utah Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Cameron Roden said the semi “lost control and jackknifed … Hit the guard rail and went into Deer Creek Reservoir.”
He said no other vehicles were involved. SR-189 was closed until approximately 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
The Utah Department of Public Safety said the semi truck driver was found in the cab of his truck once it was brought out of Deer Creek Reservoir.
According to Wasatch Fire District Chief Eric Hales, the truck was hauling propane which began leaking after the crash.
“We will be placing booms around this. But right now with the propane off-gassing, we do not want to put do not want to put our responders in harm’s way.”
UHP Capt. Scott Robertson said that crews arrived Monday night and tried to stabilize the scene.
“We determined that it was too dangerous for divers or rescuers to be doing that in the dark. Plus, the tank was still off-gassing,” he said.
“We have tow trucks, their cranes and and divers that are that are attempting to remove the truck, locate the driver. We’re working to get them in the water, but the truck hasn’t moved.”
